Rævene holder møde 1831 - 1833

Oluf Olufsen Bagge, in the early 19th century, created this pen and ink drawing titled "Rævene holder møde," or "The Foxes Have a Meeting." Bagge lived during a time of political and social upheaval in Europe, with Denmark facing significant challenges and changes. It is interesting to consider how the artist may have turned to the animal world to capture the social dynamics, perhaps even as a form of gentle satire. What do you think the foxes are discussing? Are they planning a heist? Or are they debating the politics of the barnyard? The choice of foxes is particularly interesting, given their longstanding association with cunning and trickery in folklore. Bagge's decision to depict them in a group meeting suggests an exploration of collective behavior and perhaps a commentary on the nature of power. The drawing leaves us to consider whether their assembly represents collaboration or conspiracy.