Den unge pige, der venter på sin elsker har hængt en krans over sin dør. Gensynet 1860

Lorenz Frølich created this pen drawing, “The young girl waiting for her lover has hung a wreath over her door. The Reunion,” in Denmark sometime in the 19th century. Frølich draws on the visual codes of classical antiquity, a popular source of inspiration for artists in Europe at this time. The figures’ garments, and the architecture with its columns, are reminiscent of ancient Greece or Rome. But more than simply copying ancient styles, artists used classical imagery to make comments on their own societies. Notice that the lovers are meeting in what appears to be a private residence, not a public space. This suggests an interest in domestic life and personal relationships, ideas that were becoming more important in 19th-century Europe as traditional social structures were changing. The winged figure carrying a wreath probably represents the hope and anticipation associated with romantic love. To understand Frølich’s work better, you might want to look at illustrations from classical literature that were circulating at the time, and also read about the changing social norms around marriage and courtship in 19th century Denmark.