Beau trait de Bébé 1863

Lorenz Frølich made this print called "Beau trait de Bébé" with an unknown medium. It is now held at the SMK in Denmark. The image and text underscore a stark divide between innocence and experience, wealth and poverty. In what appears to be a seaside town, a well-dressed child encounters a poor woman begging. The text describes the child giving the beggar her coin before asking her mother why she doesn't simply go to the hotel where there is plenty of food. This scene presents a snapshot of 19th-century social realities, likely within the context of Denmark's own class structure and its budding welfare system. The image invites a contemplation of social responsibility, charity, and perhaps the naiveté of privilege, prompting us to consider the cultural values it reflects. To deepen our understanding, we can research Danish social policies of the time, as well as Frølich's other works and the social circles in which he moved. This can give us more insight into this commentary on society and the public role of art.