To illustrationer til W. Hey "Halvthundrede Fabler for Børn" 1848

This illustration for W. Hey’s "Halvthundrede Fabler for Børn" presents two distinct scenes, each rich with symbolic weight. On the left, a crow sits atop a roof, while on the right, we see a gathering of cats. The crow, often a harbinger of ill omen, has been represented in art across centuries. Consider its appearance in Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Raven," where it embodies a haunting, inescapable memory. Yet, here, the crow may also symbolize wisdom or prophecy. The cats, in their domesticity, bring to mind the ancient Egyptian reverence for felines as protectors and symbols of grace. Yet, their predatory nature is evident, one cat holds a captured mouse. The cat also represents the feminine power of independence, cunning, and magic. Cats are portrayed as both cunning hunters and benevolent housemates, their representation continues to fascinate and inspire. These images tap into our collective consciousness, reminding us that symbols evolve, transform, and resurface, echoing through time.