Illustration til "Halvhundrede Fabler for Børn" af Hey 1834

Martinus Rørbye created this illustration for "Fifty Fables for Children" using pen and ink. Rørbye, living in the early 19th century, was part of the Danish Golden Age, a time when national identity was being shaped through art and literature. This work presents a fascinating look at established hierarchies. We see an owl perched within a stone structure, a symbol of wisdom, but also isolation. Outside, a flock of birds is gathered freely in nature. This juxtaposition speaks to the tensions between intellect and instinct, freedom and confinement. Illustrations for children's fables often carry moral lessons. Consider how Rørbye uses the setting to reinforce these themes. The owl’s solitary position contrasts with the communal nature of the other birds, prompting reflections on inclusion, exclusion, and the roles we play in society.