Flodlandskab 1865 - 1913

Cilius Johannes Konrad Andersen made this print, “Flodlandskab”, whose direct translation is “Flood Landscape”, at an unknown date. The print depicts a humble waterside dwelling where the structures are low and partially obscured by trees and tall grasses. Andersen was born into a Denmark marked by significant social stratification, with a powerful land-owning class, and his artistic output reflects this. He creates a sympathetic image of rural life, perhaps inviting viewers to consider the relationship between the built and natural worlds. The dwelling seems impermanent and at the mercy of nature. Notice how the dark ink creates a somber mood, almost as if we are viewing the scene through a haze of memory. The etching captures a melancholic beauty, prompting reflection on the lives lived in such unassuming places. The choice to focus on this particular subject matter suggests a commentary on the value of rural life and the relationship between humanity and the environment.