Studier af løvværk 1825 - 1826

Martinus Rørbye made this study of foliage in pencil, at an unknown date. It is currently located at the SMK, The National Gallery of Denmark. The artwork is part of a series of studies of nature, possibly for use in larger paintings. In 19th-century Europe, there was a growing interest in the scientific study of nature. Artists in Denmark began to incorporate this interest into their work, with some becoming known for their detailed studies of plants and animals. The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where Rørbye trained, encouraged students to study nature closely. This approach was part of a broader movement toward realism in art, a reaction against the more idealized and academic styles of the past. Further research into the Royal Danish Academy archives and period publications about the Danish art scene would give greater insight into the work of Rørbye. This would show the values, concerns, and the institutional context in which the artist was working.