Studier af en hane samt andefugle 1832

Martinus Rørbye made this study of a rooster and ducks in the first half of the 19th century. Rørbye was a central figure in the Danish Golden Age, a period marked by intense national romanticism. In this sketch, we see the intersection of the natural world and the artist's keen observation. The rooster, a symbol often associated with masculinity and virility, stands proudly, while the ducks, perhaps representing domesticity, complete this humble composition. These studies of animals are typical of an artist seeking to find the essence of Danish identity through its landscape and inhabitants. There's an intimacy in the way Rørbye captures the subtle nuances of the animals' forms. It invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature, as it embodies a sense of national belonging and pride in the simple, everyday aspects of Danish life.