Rumlepotten. Til venstre lille studie af rumlepotten 1843

Johan Thomas Lundbye created this small drawing, "Rumlepotten. Til venstre lille studie af rumlepotten," using pen and ink. Lundbye lived during a period of significant social and political change in Denmark, marked by growing nationalism and a burgeoning middle class. The image shows two children playing with a ‘rumlepot’, a traditional noisemaker. Gender roles are subtly present; while both children are dressed similarly, their interactions with the toy might reflect societal expectations of play and behavior. The ‘rumlepot’ itself has a history rooted in folk traditions, connecting the children to a cultural past even as they experience a changing present. Lundbye’s personal experiences and beliefs also played a role. He was deeply interested in Danish folklore and rural life, and his art often romanticized these aspects of Danish identity. The drawing, therefore, isn’t just a depiction of children at play, but also an exploration of cultural identity. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, reflecting a desire to preserve elements of Danish heritage amid modernization.