Har du ikke set Døden gå forbi... 1898

Editor: This is “Har du ikke set Døden gå forbi…” from 1898, by Fritz Syberg, a pen drawing held at the SMK. There’s a stillness in this piece, almost a melancholic quiet. What historical context surrounds such an image? Curator: The turn of the century was a time of immense social and political upheaval. Industrialization was accelerating, creating new class divisions, and artistic movements like symbolism were exploring psychological and spiritual themes. How might this socio-political climate have influenced Syberg’s portrayal of mortality? Editor: I suppose in a rapidly changing world, themes of death and nature would be more potent. But the drawing seems more intimate than a sweeping societal critique. Curator: That’s a keen observation. Consider also the rise of national romanticism and its fascination with folklore. Is Syberg possibly drawing on local stories or legends, embedding his personal anxieties within a shared cultural narrative? The question here, then, is whether this artwork provides the viewer an active role or prescribes a more limited message? Editor: It does feel very narrative, as if we're only seeing a single frame of the broader story. Perhaps Syberg intended for the viewer to feel a connection to Danish folklore by alluding to recognizable, but understated narratives? Curator: Exactly. Syberg's placement within the Statens Museum for Kunst itself highlights the role national institutions play in shaping a country’s identity. He, through symbolism, is shaping and solidifying an artistic perspective rooted in Denmark's relationship to an age old battle with its landscape. Editor: I see the picture in a broader context now. Thanks. Curator: It was a pleasure, I enjoyed speaking about Syberg and further contextualizing him.