Tre illustrationsudkast til H.C. Andersen, Skrubtudsen 1870 - 1874

Lorenz Frølich created these three illustrations for Hans Christian Andersen's "The Toad" using graphite on paper. The light-grey sketches, arranged vertically, have a preliminary feel, capturing the artist's process of visualizing the narrative. The top sketch presents a tall bird, possibly a stork, with fine lines defining its elongated form against a backdrop of vague foliage. Below, another sketch captures a similar bird in a slightly different pose, emphasizing its delicate legs. Adjacent to this is a circular sketch featuring a toad within a stylized pumpkin or floral frame. Frølich's use of line suggests a concern for the symbolic interplay between animal forms and natural elements, creating a sense of fairy-tale wonder. The formal composition directs our attention not only to the visual qualities of the illustration but also to the semiotic possibilities within Andersen’s tale. The contrast between the bird and the toad, rendered in simple lines, highlights the story's themes of transformation and perception. This subtle formal approach enriches our understanding of the narrative's cultural resonance.