Scene af Shakespeares Henrik VIII (4. akt 2. scene) 1683 - 1783

Nicolai Abildgaard made this drawing, Scene of Shakespeare's Henry VIII, Act 4, Scene 2, with graphite on paper. The light touch of the graphite gives the scene an ethereal quality. The figures seem to float on the page, barely tethered to the paper itself. Abildgaard expertly controls the pressure of the graphite, creating depth and shadow with only the subtlest variation in tone. Although this is a traditional drawing, it shares in a broader culture of illustration, which by the late 18th century, was becoming increasingly central to the making of art. Abildgaard brings the literary arts to life, visualizing Shakespeare's play with swift lines. He skillfully depicts the drama of the scene, the expressions and body language revealing a whole story. Paying attention to the materials and the techniques reveals the artist's deep engagement with both fine art and popular culture. It pushes us to consider the rich context in which this drawing was created.