En høne og en and 1743 - 1809

Nicolai Abildgaard made this delicate drawing of a hen and a duck using pen and brown ink. The earthy tones of the ink, applied with swift, confident strokes, give the image a sense of immediacy. Look closely, and you’ll notice that Abildgaard was particularly attentive to the differing textures of the fowl’s feathers, and how they sit on the water. Brown ink is made from tannins and iron salts, and was a common material for sketches and studies like this one. But don't think that this makes it unremarkable. The beauty of these drawings lies in their intimacy and the insight they offer into the artist's process. By focusing on the simplicity of the materials and the skill of the hand, we gain a greater appreciation for Abildgaard's artistry and his ability to find beauty in the everyday. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between finished paintings and preliminary sketches, inviting us to value the artistry inherent in the process of making.