Lili balancerer på sten 1866

This drawing, made by Lorenz Frølich, captures children playing by the sea. Frølich, working in the 19th century, lived in a Denmark undergoing significant cultural and nationalistic developments. This image reflects the period's focus on idealized childhood and national identity. The children, seemingly without care, are depicted in an innocent, playful manner, evoking a sense of nostalgia and belonging. The girl is balancing on a rock, using sticks for support as she looks down towards the boy, who is accompanied by a dog. Another boy points in the distance. There is a clear class aspect to this scene. The children have proper clothes and are enjoying time at the seaside, a privilege of the wealthy. Yet, by focusing on childhood, Frølich offers a narrative that is deeply embedded in the cultural values of his time, suggesting a shared heritage through the simple act of play. The drawing invites us to reflect on our own memories of childhood, and how those experiences are intertwined with our understanding of identity and place.