Landligt måltid 1887

Lorenz Frølich created "Landligt måltid," or "Country Meal," using pen and ink. Born in Copenhagen in 1820, Frølich lived through a period of significant social change and rising nationalism. His work captures the intimate, everyday life of children, offering us a glimpse into the era's evolving perceptions of childhood. Notice the idyllic setting for this meal. The children, seemingly undisturbed in their play, are waited on with a basket of food. This suggests a certain level of domestic comfort and privilege, a perspective often seen through the lens of the bourgeoisie at the time. Frølich, however, avoids idealizing the children. There is instead an effort to allow the image to capture a seemingly real moment. While Frølich's drawings often reflected the nationalistic sentiments of his time, here he presents a more personal narrative. It's a celebration of innocent interactions and unscripted moments. Frølich invites us to reflect on the universal experiences of childhood, transcending the social and political landscapes of his era.