Udkant af en skov 1847

"Udkant af en skov" or "Outskirts of a Forest," by Vilhelm Kyhn, is an engraving rendered with delicate lines. Kyhn was deeply invested in establishing a uniquely Danish artistic identity during a period of strong national romanticism. Here, we see a landscape, and if you look closely, two figures quietly observe nature, dwarfed by the scale of the trees. Kyhn was a professor at the School of Drawing and Applied Arts, where he advocated for outdoor painting, or "en plein air," to capture the true essence of the Danish landscape. This work reflects Kyhn's belief in the importance of national identity, connecting individuals to their land and history. This piece suggests a sense of belonging and continuity. By portraying the quiet beauty of the Danish countryside, Kyhn speaks to a collective cultural memory and experience. It invites us to reflect on our own relationship with the landscapes that shape our identities.