De fire børn i en båd 1866

Lorenz Frølich created this monochromatic drawing, "The Four Children in a Boat," using pen and ink. During Frølich's time, Denmark was experiencing significant social and political change, including the rise of national romanticism and the push for a distinct Danish identity. This drawing reflects the values of innocence and simplicity often associated with childhood, aligning with the romanticized view of the nation. The children, dressed in what appear to be costumes, are set against a backdrop of nature, evoking a sense of freedom and adventure. There’s an interesting tension between the children and the dog in the boat. The dog is a figure of steadfast loyalty, looking ahead with a placid gaze, while one of the children looks toward us. What are they looking at? It seems that Frølich is playing with our own longing for simpler times. With its subtle lines and intricate details, this piece provides a window into the past, inviting us to reflect on how society's perceptions of childhood and nationhood were shaped through art.