Figurstudier. Udkast til maleri med familieportræt? 1746 - 1828

C.A. Lorentzen made this study for a family portrait with sanguine ink on paper. The sketch gives us a glimpse into the domestic life and social values of the late 18th century. It's hard to ignore the rigid class structure that shaped the era. Lorentzen, as an artist, navigated the patronage system, where commissions from the elite dictated his livelihood. The family depicted here likely belonged to the upper echelons of society, evident in their poised stances. But it is the presence of children that is the key to this work. Their inclusion speaks volumes about the era's emphasis on family lineage and the inheritance of social status. The artist balances tradition with alternative narratives through the intimacy of family life, offering a personal dimension. These human sketches invite us to reflect on the complexities of identity and belonging.