Kong Svend fanges af Jomsvikinger 1852

Lorenz Frølich made this small drawing, "Kong Svend fanges af Jomsvikinger," using pen and ink. It represents the capture of King Svend by the Jomsvikings. The image reflects a resurgence of interest in Norse mythology and history, especially within the context of 19th-century nationalism. Frølich, a Danish artist, was working at a time when national identity was being actively constructed and negotiated. The drawing speaks to a fascination with the Viking past, a period often romanticized as a time of heroic deeds and strong leadership. The Jomsvikings were a legendary band of Viking mercenaries, and their capture of King Svend is a dramatic moment in Scandinavian history. The image employs visual codes to evoke this heroic past. The figures are depicted with exaggerated musculature and fierce expressions, fitting the stereotypes of the Viking warrior. To understand this image better, one could delve into histories of Denmark, studies of Norse mythology, and accounts of Frølich's career as a painter and illustrator. These resources help reveal how the artwork participates in broader conversations about Danish national identity and the cultural significance of the Viking past.