Illustrationsudkast til H.C. Andersen, Snemanden 1866 - 1867

This is Lorenz Frølich's preliminary sketch for H.C. Andersen’s "The Snowman", likely made with graphite on paper. The stark simplicity of this medium is important. While Frølich was a celebrated illustrator known for his detailed woodcuts and engravings, here, he uses the humble pencil. We see the quickly sketched lines, the bare minimum needed to capture the scene. This immediacy gives us insight into the artist's process. It's a raw glimpse into his initial vision before the labor-intensive process of translating it into a finished illustration. Think about the contrast: the final illustrations, intended for mass production and consumption, versus this private, almost ephemeral sketch. It reminds us that even in seemingly simple works, there is a history of labor and decision-making, connecting the artist, the story, and ultimately, us.