Insects 

Theodor Severin Kittelsen's ink drawing depicts a swarm of insects, a scene that offers a glimpse into the artist's complex relationship with nature and society. Kittelsen, living in a time of rapid industrialization in Norway, often turned to nature as a source of solace and inspiration, but also to express feelings of isolation. The juxtaposition of ants laboriously surrounding a dark, dense object with the lightness of the hovering flies hints at themes of labor, community, and individual freedom. It subtly suggests that while collective effort can lead to sustenance, there is an inherent tension between the grounded, communal life of the ants and the seemingly free existence of the flies. Kittelsen's personal struggles with mental health and financial instability might be reflected in this tension, as he often felt like an outsider, observing society from a distance. This drawing, with its intimate portrayal of the insect world, invites us to reflect on our place within the larger ecosystem.