Fire illustrationsudkast til H.C. Andersen, "Dynd-Kongens Datter" 1869

Lorenz Frølich made this pen and ink drawing in Denmark as a preparatory sketch for Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale, "The Marsh King's Daughter." Frølich's image provides insight into the cultural context of 19th-century Danish art and literature, reflecting the Romantic interest in folklore and national identity. The story itself, deeply embedded in Danish cultural heritage, explores themes of nature versus civilization, and the transformative power of love. Frølich, working at a time of growing nationalism, uses his art to visually interpret and disseminate these nationally important narratives. To fully appreciate the drawing, one can consult Andersen's literary works, Frølich's other illustrations, and studies of Danish Romanticism. This allows us to understand the historical context that shaped the artwork's creation and reception. Art history, in this sense, is a study of the ever-changing social and institutional meaning of art.