Who painted Thor and Hymir?

Thor and Hymir was painted by Lorenz Frølich in 1872.

Where can I see Thor and Hymir?

Thor and Hymir is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Thor and Hymir?

Thor and Hymir is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Thor and Hymir

Lorenz Frølich , 1872

Thor and Hymir is an unspecified painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Lorenz Frølich. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

“Thor and Hymir,” painted in 1872 by Danish illustrator Lorenz Frølich, is part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The canvas presents a mythic encounter set against a craggy shoreline, with a figure in a flowing cape grasping a massive object on the left and another seated on a rock to the right, his back turned toward the viewer.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a moment from Norse legend in which the thunder‑god Thor confronts the giant Hymir. The standing figure, identified as Thor by his cape and weapon‑like implement, suggests a moment of confrontation or challenge, while the seated figure embodies the giant’s contemplative or defensive posture, emphasizing the tension between divine power and primordial force.

Technique & Style

Frølich employs a realistic, highly detailed approach, rendering the musculature and drapery with precise brushwork. Strong chiaroscuro—deep shadows against illuminated highlights—creates a three‑dimensional sense of space and heightens the drama of the scene. The rocky terrain and distant water are treated with careful gradations, reinforcing the naturalistic yet mythic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in the early 1870s, the painting entered the national collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in 19th‑century Scandinavian narrative art and the enduring appeal of mythological subjects during that period.

Context

Frølich, known for his illustrations of folklore and literary works, often turned to Norse mythology for inspiration. “Thor and Hymir” aligns with a broader 19th‑century European fascination with heroic epics and the romantic revival of national myths, situating the piece within both Danish artistic traditions and the continental trend of mythic painting.