To forspændte mulæsler 1845

Johan Thomas Lundbye created this pen and watercolor drawing of two harnessed mules in 1845. The work offers a glimpse into the visual culture of 19th-century Denmark, where artists often turned to everyday scenes for inspiration. Lundbye’s choice of subject matter – working animals – reflects a broader interest in rural life. The meticulous detail in the harness and tack contrasts with the sketched, incomplete state of the second mule, perhaps commenting on the dignity of labor. It also encourages us to consider the place of art institutions at the time. Was this piece commissioned? Was it intended for public display, or was it a private study? Either way, the artwork preserves a moment in time and invites us to reflect on the relationship between humans, animals, and the changing social landscape of 19th-century Denmark. To understand this piece better, one could consult the artist’s journals, exhibition catalogs from the period, and studies of Danish social history.