Stående dreng i en båd 1855

Lorenz Frølich made this pen and brown ink drawing of a boy standing in a boat. Danish Golden Age art often romanticized the natural world and simple life, seeking to establish a sense of national identity. Frølich, however, moved away from prevalent trends in his time. This artwork is a study, a preliminary sketch rather than a finished piece. While exploring national themes, it diverges from grand, idealized depictions. Instead, it is a simple, intimate portrayal that does not seem to be invested in the art establishment or the market. It is a personal exploration of Danish identity through the figure of a young boy, rather than a nationalistic statement. To fully appreciate this work, we might delve into Frølich’s biography, examining his relationship to the artistic norms of his time. By studying these sketches, we gain insights into the artist’s process.