Skitser til H.C. Andersen, "Suppe paa en Pølsepind" og "Pen og Blækhus" 1866

These sketches for Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, “Soup on a Sausage Peg” and “Pen and Inkstand,” were made by Lorenz Frølich using pen and ink on paper. The stark contrast between the delicate paper and the fluid ink highlights the artist’s hand. Frølich carefully controls the ink, using it to create both broad strokes and fine lines, giving depth and texture to the illustrations. He also leaves areas of the paper blank, drawing the viewer's eye to key elements of the composition. The immediacy of the pen and ink medium conveys a sense of spontaneity, reflecting the whimsical nature of Andersen's tales. Sketches such as these were essential to the industrialized publishing industry of the 19th century. While we may consider this a work of art, it was also a utilitarian object, meant to be reproduced for mass consumption. Appreciating these sketches invites us to consider the relationship between art, craft, and commerce in the 19th century.