Mors sjal 1861

Lorenz Frølich created this drawing, “Mors sjal,” using graphite. The image depicts a small child draped in a shawl, an object laden with cultural significance. The shawl, seemingly oversized, transforms the child into a miniature figure of mourning or solemnity. Historically, shawls have served as symbols of comfort, protection, but also of grief and remembrance. Think of the veiled figures in Renaissance paintings, their faces obscured by similar cloths to convey sorrow. This covering speaks volumes about universal human experiences. Consider how garments throughout time have been used to express emotions. This simple piece of cloth evolves to express the weight of tradition and the complex tapestry of human feelings.