Regnar Lodbrogs frieri 1852

Lorenz Frølich created this pen and brown ink drawing, "Regnar Lodbrogs frieri," sometime in the 19th century. Frølich was deeply engaged in Norse mythology, reflecting the Romantic era's fascination with national identity and folklore. The artwork depicts two scenes from the legend of Ragnar Lodbrok, a Viking hero. On the left, we see Ragnar in a perilous encounter with a serpent, while on the right, he's depicted proposing to a woman. These scenes speak to the trials and tribulations faced by legendary heroes, reflecting societal values such as courage, and perseverance. Frølich’s artistic style is steeped in the aesthetic traditions of his time, yet he reimagines Norse mythology to reflect contemporary concerns. The drawing invites us to reflect on the relationship between the past and the present. It evokes a sense of wonder, transporting us to a world of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures.