Træstudie 1896

Niels Larsen Stevns made this charcoal drawing, Træstudie, which translates to Tree Study, sometime during his lifetime, 1864 to 1941. As a symbol, the tree has long been associated with life, growth, and interconnectedness. In a time of increasing industrialization, artists like Stevns turned to nature to express the sublime and to explore themes of national identity. This intimate sketch invites us to consider the relationship between the individual and the natural world. We might think about the ways in which our own identities are shaped by our environments, and how we, in turn, shape them. What stories do we read into the marks on this page? What elements of the artist's experience do you think influenced the choices he made? Ultimately, Stevns' drawing serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of connecting with nature, and with our own inner landscapes.