Illustration til "Halvhundrede Fabler for Børn" af Hey 1834

Martinus Rørbye made this illustration for "Fifty Fables for Children" using pen and ink. Rørbye, who lived from 1803 to 1848, situated this fable in a time when ideas about national identity were forming. The image of a hen with her chicks evokes themes of motherhood, care, and protection, reflecting societal expectations of women in the 19th century. However, note how the hen is placed at a gate, on the verge of leaving the enclosed space behind. This can be seen as challenging conventional roles, suggesting a desire for exploration beyond domestic confines. The meticulous details in the plants and the landscape create a peaceful, idealised setting, yet the open gate also hints at the unknown. This illustration invites viewers to reflect on the balance between nature and nurture, and the personal desires versus societal expectations. It's a gentle nudge to consider the complex layers within simple tales.