Fruens bøg. Hindsgavl 1887

Axel Schovelin made this etching of a beech tree at Hindsgavl sometime during the 19th century. Its precise date is unknown. This naturalistic depiction reflects Denmark’s cultural values at the time. During this period, Danish national identity was being constructed around images of nature, as seen in literature and painting. Artists sought to define a unique Danish aesthetic. The location, Hindsgavl, near Middelfart, speaks to the history of estate culture in Denmark and its ties to the monarchy. The beech tree itself had special significance: beech forests have long been associated with Danish identity. We can see this reflected in the 'national anthem', a poem called Der er et yndigt land, or 'There is a lovely land', which references beech trees. To understand this print better, historians consider travel writing, landscape painting, and histories of Danish nationalism to appreciate how artists shape national identity. This artwork shows how the natural world can be a powerful symbol.