Illustration til "Halvhundrede Fabler for Børn" af Hey 1834

Martinus Rørbye created this illustration for "Halvhundrede Fabler for Børn" with pen and ink. It is striking how Rørbye places a proud rooster in the foreground. The confident stance of the rooster is juxtaposed with the blurry background of the farm, where smaller chickens, ducks, and a dog are depicted. We can imagine that the selection of a rooster, the male counterpart of the more docile hen, allowed the artist to develop a commentary on societal roles, masculinity, and hierarchy. Although this illustration was designed for children's fables, it carries a rich subtext about the varied experiences within a community, reminding us that every character, regardless of size or status, contributes to the collective narrative.