Kjærlighedshoffet i Narbonne 1878

Lorenz Frølich created this pen and ink drawing, "The Court of Love in Narbonne," sometime in the 19th century. It depicts an imagined medieval scene of courtly love, a popular theme in 19th-century art, reflecting a nostalgic interest in the past. The drawing shows a queen-like figure presiding over a gathering, likely judging matters of love. This romanticized view of the medieval period draws on a mix of historical and literary sources, which were very popular at the time. We can interpret Frølich's choice of subject as part of a broader cultural movement in 19th-century Europe. The rising tide of nationalism encouraged artists to look to the past for inspiration, and to create imagery that evoked a sense of national identity and cultural heritage. To truly understand the drawing, further research into the artist's biography, the art market of the time, and literary sources about the courtly love tradition is needed.