Studie af Thorvaldsen efter maleri. Farveangivelser 1930 - 1936

This sketch, 'Studie af Thorvaldsen efter maleri. Farveangivelser', was created by Niels Larsen Stevns using graphite on paper. The paper's surface, though seemingly simple, holds the delicate marks of graphite, a material valued for its ability to convey subtle tonal gradations. Look closely at the artist's hand through the varying pressure and density of the marks. See the layering of lines that give depth to the portrayal of Thorvaldsen. The artist utilized hatching and cross-hatching techniques that capture light and shadow, to give form to the figure. The softness of graphite allows for easy correction and reworking, enabling the artist to refine their observations. This emphasizes the artwork's status as a 'study', focusing on the artist's careful engagement with process and attention to detail. By using the material qualities of graphite, the artist captured the essence of their subject, turning a simple sketch into a record of artistic labor.