Artwork

The King Svafur Forces Durin and Dvalin to Promise him the Tirfing Sword

The King Svafur Forces Durin and Dvalin to Promise him the Tirfing Sword is an oil painting by Lorenz Frølich. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Lorenz Frølich’s 1839 oil painting, titled The King Svafur Forces Durin and Dvalin to Promise him the Tirfing Sword, is part of the Nationalmuseum’s collection. The work presents a mythic tableau rendered in oil on canvas, framed by an elaborate gold border that bears decorative motifs and inscription.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a mounted figure brandishing a sword and spear, surrounded by a pack of dogs. Two diminutive characters in red headwear appear in the foreground, while a distant tree and a body of water recede behind them. The scene evokes a narrative from Norse legend, suggesting themes of authority and oath‑binding.

Technique & Style

Frølich employs the rich texture and subtle blending characteristic of oil paint, achieving a soft pink sky that contrasts with the darker earth tones of the landscape. The meticulous rendering of the horses, animals, and ornamental frame demonstrates a careful attention to detail and a refined hand.

History & Provenance

Created in 1839, the painting entered the Nationalmuseum’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s original commission, though specific details of early ownership are not recorded in the available sources.

Artist & collection

Artist

Lorenz Frølich

Lorenz Frølich (1820–1908) was an artist, born in Copenhagen.

Museum

Nationalmuseum

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