Illustration til St. St. Blicher, De tre Helligaftener 1846

Christen Dalsgaard made this illustration for St. St. Blicher’s “De tre Helligaftener” using pen and ink. The image depicts two figures in peasant dress walking along a path towards a church. Dalsgaard created this work in mid-19th century Denmark, a time of growing national consciousness. The church in the background signifies not only religious faith, but a connection to the local community. The figures' traditional clothing emphasizes a romanticized view of rural life, a common theme in Danish art of this period. These images helped forge a sense of national identity rooted in the idealized traditions of the countryside. For a deeper understanding of Dalsgaard’s work, research into the literature he illustrated, such as Blicher’s stories, offers insight. Museum archives and historical societies also hold valuable documents that shed light on the cultural and institutional contexts that shaped his art. These sources can help us see how art both reflects and actively shapes cultural values.