De danskes storm paa Gipesvik 1880 - 1908

Lorenz Frølich made "De danskes storm paa Gipesvik" with an unknown medium. Frølich lived through a period of intense nationalism, particularly the rise of romantic nationalism in 19th-century Europe, which significantly influenced his artistic themes. Here, Frølich vividly recreates a scene from what was believed to be the Viking age. These Viking narratives became central to constructing a shared cultural identity during a time when nations were redefining themselves. The representation of the Danish warriors—their strength, their unity, and their conquest—is rendered in a way that idealizes the nation's past. Yet, such depictions often obscure the complexities of historical events, glossing over issues of violence and cultural disruption. Does this image celebrate a historical event, or does it serve as a reminder of the problematic aspects of nation-building? This work invites us to reflect on how historical narratives shape collective identity and national pride.