Holger Danske i spidsen for sine ryttere 1810 - 1873

Wilhelm Marstrand created this pen drawing, "Holger Danske i spidsen for sine ryttere", sometime in the 19th century. Marstrand evokes a heroic past resonant with the rise of nationalism in Europe. The legend of Holger Danske, or Ogier the Dane, was especially potent for Denmark; a symbol of resistance and strength. In the drawing, Holger Danske leads his riders, embodying a romantic vision of national identity. Marstrand made this sketch at a time when Denmark, like many European nations, was grappling with questions of cultural and political autonomy. The institutions promoting art, like the Statens Museum for Kunst where this drawing now resides, played a significant role in shaping these national narratives. To truly understand this drawing, one might delve into histories of Danish nationalism, the romantic movement in art, and the role of museums in constructing national identity. The meaning of art is always shaped by its social and institutional context.