Illustrationer til "Billedbog for børn. Tegnet af Otto Haslund og Pietro Krohn med Vers af J. Krohn" 1871

These are illustrations for "Picture Book for Children. Drawn by Otto Haslund and Pietro Krohn with Verses by J. Krohn" by Harald Jensen. Jensen’s illustrations reflect the cultural values and social norms of 19th-century Denmark. During this period, there was a growing emphasis on national identity, and art often depicted idealized scenes of rural life, family, and nature. Within these images, we see a narrative that promotes a specific vision of childhood, one that is innocent, playful, and connected to the land. Yet, such depictions often mask the realities of children's lives, particularly those from working-class families. The imagery presents a view of childhood which is both idyllic and didactic, where children are gently guided towards moral and social conformity. While seemingly benign, these images contribute to shaping the perceptions and expectations of children, reinforcing societal norms and values. This artwork encourages us to consider the role of children's literature in shaping cultural identities and social attitudes.