Illustration til Johan Krohn, "Peters jul" 1870

This is F. Hendriksen's illustration for Johan Krohn's "Peters jul," made around 1870 in Denmark. "Peters jul" is a classic Danish Christmas story, and Hendriksen's image gives us a glimpse into the cultural values and social structures of the time. Note the clear distinction between childhood play and the solemn imagery of the church and soldier. This contrast speaks to the cultural importance of both innocence and duty in 19th-century Denmark. The poem alongside the picture emphasizes the importance of family and tradition during the Christmas season. To fully appreciate this illustration, we might explore archives of Danish children's literature or delve into the history of Christmas celebrations in Denmark. Art history allows us to see how cultural values are visually encoded and transmitted across generations.