Illustration til Johan Krohn, "Peters jul" 1870

Editor: This is Carl Leonard Sandberg's 1870 print, "Illustration til Johan Krohn, "Peters jul"." The monochromatic drawing shows a family looking in wonder at their Christmas tree. It feels so detailed and warm. What is your impression of this scene? Curator: Well, aren’t we just transported back to a Victorian Christmas Eve? Sandberg's sharp lines give everything a sense of joyful anticipation. You can almost smell the pine needles and marzipan! For me, what's remarkable is the dual narrative playing out—we have the reality of the figures drawn with so much character, juxtaposed with the magic realism suggested in the accompanying poem that details what everyone is thinking. Do you get that sense too, or am I just getting carried away with the promise of gløgg? Editor: I totally agree, there is this wonderful combination of both reality and anticipation within the composition. It has narrative and descriptive elements blending together nicely. What are some of the things that were culturally relevant in 1870 that someone might miss without that background knowledge? Curator: Consider how Christmas trees had only recently become popular. Each ornament here isn’t just decoration, it tells a story of craft, or family. Those paper cones overflowing with treats? Little luxuries, handcrafted with love! This drawing whispers secrets about the cultural value placed on simple joys during that period. Editor: It really puts a different spin on it, knowing that each ornament was hand-made with time and love, thank you for that wonderful reflection. Curator: And thank you – thinking about how these little windows in time help us think and reflect on where we came from can make one truly thankful!