Billede 7 fra En hunds liv 1839

Lorenz Frølich created this drawing called, "Billede 7 fra En hunds liv," or "Picture 7 From A Dog's Life," the date of which is unknown. Frølich, a Danish artist born in the 19th century, was working within a cultural context shaped by romantic nationalism. This movement emphasized the unique character and shared identity of a nation. Here, Frølich seems to explore that through the lens of a dog's life. We see a man seated at his desk, seemingly working, while two dogs vie for his attention. One begs at his knee, the other sits patiently. The scene is domestic, intimate, and tender, but the dog is also a symbol of loyalty and companionship, so was Frølich perhaps highlighting virtues he felt were important in Danish culture and identity? In what ways can this interplay of domesticity and nationalism be seen as a reflection on the values of the time? It prompts us to consider how national identity is constructed through everyday life, and how animals often play a role in defining these cultural narratives.