Illustration til digtet "Hjorten" af Gotfred Rode 1858

This illustration to Gotfred Rode’s poem, "The Deer," was made with etching, though its precise date and artist remain unknown. Its themes of nature and the animal kingdom connect to broader cultural interests during a period of increasing industrialization and urbanization. The image creates meaning through the use of visual codes. Deer have long symbolized grace, gentleness, and connection to the natural world. The close grouping of the animals, and their calm demeanor, emphasize harmony and community. Created in Denmark, a country with vast forests and a strong tradition of nature writing and landscape painting, this artwork may reflect a yearning for simpler, more rural existence, even as Danish society was changing rapidly. As art historians, our work is to explore the social and cultural factors that influence artistic production. By researching the history of Danish art, literature, and environmentalism, we can better understand how this image functions within its specific context, revealing its role in shaping and reflecting cultural values.