Illustration til "Fablen om løvens jagt" 1872

This is Franz Wilhelm Obermann’s illustration for "The Fable About the Lion’s Hunt." Obermann, who lived in a time of significant social change in Denmark, gives us a glimpse into the power dynamics of his era. At first glance, the image seems to simply depict a lion surrounded by dogs. Yet, look closer: the lion, though powerful, appears strangely passive, while the dogs seem agitated. This is not a straightforward depiction of the "king of beasts." Instead, Obermann uses the fable to explore themes of authority and social unrest. Consider the role of animals in fables, often used to represent human traits and societal structures. The dogs, perhaps, symbolize the common people, restless and questioning the lion's rule. The lion embodies a traditional figure of authority, but one that seems weary or challenged. The emotional tension in the scene is palpable, a quiet moment pregnant with the possibility of change. Obermann invites us to reflect on the shifting sands of power and the ever-present tension between the ruler and the ruled.