"En lille historie" 1870 - 1880

Editor: Here we have "En lille historie," or "A Little Story," a drawing made between 1870 and 1880, unsigned, currently at the SMK. It’s done in ink on paper, depicting two children about to cross a stream on stepping stones. The first thing that strikes me is how light and delicate it is. What do you see in it? Curator: Delicate, yes! And intentionally so, I think. It reminds me of a half-remembered fairytale, or perhaps a fleeting moment from a cherished childhood. The anonymity of the artist allows us to project our own stories onto this little scene. I find myself wondering what the mountains in the background symbolize for these kids – aspiration? Escape? What do you make of the child reaching out, almost beckoning? Editor: That gesture is interesting. Maybe the child reaching is offering help, but it also creates this sense of invitation for *us* to step into their world. A little dangerous, crossing the stream… Curator: Precisely! Life’s little adventures. Or perhaps they are hesitant? Look how the girl's arms are subtly held tight against the body! What’s the Danish countryside of the 1870s without a little uncertainty? Are they venturing towards progress, or merely seeking simple pleasures? The mystery is what truly captivates. It's Romantic, definitely playing on those themes. Editor: I hadn’t considered that contrast, but the Romantic landscape with the hint of uncertainty does change the feeling quite a bit. Curator: Exactly! It transforms a simple sketch into something far more poignant, no? Editor: Absolutely. It makes me want to go digging into 19th-century Danish history! Curator: Then our little journey has been a success.