Illustration til Svend Grundtvig, "Marsk Stig: Dansk Folkevise Fra 13de Aarhundrede", 1861 1861

Constantin Hansen made this illustration in 1861 for Svend Grundtvig's edition of the 13th-century Danish folk ballad "Marsk Stig." The image captures a dramatic moment, likely depicting the assassination of King Erik Glipping, with figures holding torches and weapons in a dark setting, and a central figure in distress. Produced during Denmark's National Romantic period, the print reflects a broader cultural interest in rediscovering and celebrating national identity through folklore and historical narratives. Hansen and Grundtvig's collaboration underscores the crucial role of artists and scholars in shaping and disseminating national myths. This work raises essential questions about the public role of art. Was Hansen trying to promote a particular ideology? Research into the cultural politics of 19th-century Denmark, the history of folklore studies, and the institutional context of museums can reveal the complex social forces at play in this seemingly simple illustration.