Marsk Stigs døtre 1839

Dankvart Dreyer made this drawing, titled ‘Marsk Stigs Døtre’ or ‘Marsk Stig’s Daughters’, in Denmark during the first half of the 19th century. The sketch depicts a medieval Danish folk song about Marsk Stig, who was outlawed after the murder of King Erik Glipping in 1286. We see his daughters, figures of innocence, facing the consequences of their father's actions, a poignant commentary on the intergenerational impact of political upheaval. Dreyer’s choice of subject matter reflects the Romantic nationalism sweeping through Europe at the time, an era in which artists mined history and folklore for narratives that could foster a sense of national identity. The cultural institutions of the day, like the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts where Dreyer trained, played a significant role in shaping artistic preferences and promoting certain themes. To fully appreciate this piece, we might delve into Danish history, exploring the context of political intrigue and the evolving role of national identity in the 19th century.