Studier af hunde 1836

Curator: Welcome! Today we're looking at "Studies of Dogs," an ink drawing on paper created in 1836 by Lorenz Frølich. It’s held here at the SMK, Statens Museum for Kunst. Editor: My first impression is pure comfort. They're like little doughy dumplings of contentment! The pale ink gives it such a gentle, dreamy feel. Curator: Frølich, although best known for his illustrations, clearly had a keen eye for observation. During the 19th century, preparatory drawings like these were commonly made for larger paintings, engravings, and sometimes, teaching purposes. Do you think this drawing was a part of bigger study of animal behavior? Editor: Possibly, though I am equally captured by what isn't there— the sparseness of the page really emphasizes the intimacy. It’s just dogs, floating in a sea of calm. You get a sense of being right there, watching them nap on a quiet afternoon. And note how economical the drawing is. Frølich masterfully used his ink and each mark suggests all of those lovely folds, and fluffy ears of his resting models. Curator: Precisely! The Realism movement embraced subjects from everyday life. Animal studies were quite popular as scientific thinking evolved, although the way animals feature in art are often related to class as well as social status. Do you think it's just dogs or a social statement about wealth? Editor: A bit of both maybe? What elevates it above just scientific study is the almost tenderness. One puppy snuggled against another. He isn’t just recording anatomy; he is revealing canine connection. Even those disembodied heads, like tiny furry planets floating! It speaks of an artist deeply engaged with the beings in front of him. The only possible statement about social status is that they are well cared for dogs, no working farm animals, maybe beloved pets with soft beds! Curator: Yes, there's that quality in his line. It’s interesting to think about these drawings as reflections of the artist’s gaze, the shifting values surrounding animal companionship. In the artworld these genre studies offer invaluable insight into domestic life and the culture of the Biedermeier Era in Denmark and beyond. Editor: Well, after our viewing I just want to curl up with a sleepy puppy right now! Thanks to Frølich for such a cozy window into his world, and these very lovely subjects.