Illustration til "Deutscher Jugendkalender für 1847" 1847

H. C. Henneberg created this illustration for "Deutscher Jugendkalender" in 1847, offering us a glimpse into the romantic and moralizing themes prevalent in mid-19th century German art. The image features three children gathered around a dead bird, evoking a sense of loss and innocence confronted with mortality. The children's reactions range from distress to curiosity, mirroring the complex emotions associated with death and the transition from childhood naiveté to awareness. This scene invites contemplation on the era's social values, particularly concerning childhood, nature, and morality. The dead bird may symbolize lost innocence or the transient nature of life, themes often explored in art intended for young audiences during this period. Henneberg subtly weaves together notions of vulnerability and emotional awakening.