Lorenz Frölich 1899

P.S. Krøyer created this etching of Lorenz Frölich around the turn of the century. Frölich, a contemporary of Krøyer, was a history painter and illustrator, celebrated for his depictions of Norse mythology and historical events. This portrait provides a glimpse into the artistic and intellectual circles of the time. Krøyer captures Frölich in a moment of contemplation or creation, hunched over a table. There is a sense of introspection but also of deep engagement with his craft. Consider what it meant to portray someone like Frölich, whose work contributed to shaping national identity through historical and mythological narratives. Krøyer, deeply embedded within the cultural and artistic milieu of his time, would have been very aware of how representations of fellow artists contributed to both their personal brand and the artistic environment they cultivated. This etching serves not just as a likeness, but as an exploration of the sitter’s identity. It is a reflection on the role of artists in constructing cultural memory and national identity.