Under æbletræet. Nr. 21 i Chr. Winther og M. Rørbye, "25 Billeder for små børn" 1846

Adolph Kittendorff made this print titled "Under æbletræet" as part of a series of images for children. In the image, we see an apple harvest underway, a scene of rural life, and the figures are rendered with a certain idealized simplicity, typical of the period's approach to children's literature and educational materials. Created in Denmark, most likely in the mid-19th century, this print reflects the values of a society undergoing significant change. Rural life was often romanticized in response to increasing industrialization and urbanization. The image creates a vision of social harmony in the countryside, this was a common theme in the art and literature which was intended to instill cultural values. To fully understand this artwork, we might consult archives of educational material from the period, or studies of Danish cultural history. Art like this reflects and shapes the values of its time, serving as a valuable window into the past.