Illustrationsudkast til H.C. Andersen, "Hurtigløberne", "Sneglen og Rosenhækken" og "Anne Lisbeth" 1866

Lorenz Frølich made this pencil drawing, Illustrationsudkast til H.C. Andersen, likely in the mid to late 19th century. It is held at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst. These are sketches for Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. The drawings reflect the widespread interest in folklore and national identity during the 19th century. Andersen's stories, while seemingly simple, often explored complex themes of social class, identity, and the human condition. Frølich, like many artists of his time, contributed to the construction of a national artistic identity. Artists played a crucial role in shaping cultural narratives and defining national values. By illustrating Andersen's tales, Frølich amplified the stories' reach and cemented their place in the Danish cultural canon. To fully appreciate Frølich's work, one can delve into the archives of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, exploring its curriculum and the debates surrounding the role of art in society. We can understand the historical, institutional and cultural context that shaped the art itself.