Juletræ 1840

Lorenz Frølich made this drawing, titled 'Juletræ,' which translates to 'Christmas Tree' in Danish, using pen and ink. The sepia-toned ink allows Frølich to create a festive scene filled with children playing around a decorated Christmas tree. The line work is delicate, and the layering of the pen strokes gives depth and texture to the drawing. Look closely at the way he uses hatching to create shadows and volume, particularly in the figures and the ornaments hanging from the tree. Frølich was an accomplished illustrator and this drawing exemplifies the craft involved in creating images for reproduction. Consider the social context: In the 19th century, the tradition of decorating Christmas trees was gaining popularity, and images like this would have helped to spread the custom. The drawing captures a sense of communal joy and celebration. By focusing on the materials and the artist's technique, we gain a richer understanding of this artwork and its place in cultural history.