Skitser af heste 1860 - 1875

Lorenz Frølich made this sketch of horses on paper at an unknown date. Here we see a glimpse into the artist's process, revealing the ways in which academic artistic training was deployed in 19th century Denmark. Frølich made this sketch in preparation for a more finished painting, sculpture, or illustration. The precise outlines, careful attention to anatomical detail, and realistic proportions are all evidence of his formal training. Frølich’s artistic development was initially supported by private patrons, and he would later become a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Art in Copenhagen. For art historians, sketches like these provide valuable insight into the ways that art education shapes artistic production. If we want to understand the values and priorities of 19th century Danish culture, we need to look at the institutions that shaped the artists working at the time.