Illustration til H. Drachmanns digt "September" 1880

This is an anonymous illustration for H. Drachmann’s poem "September," residing at the SMK. Note the fallen stag, its antlers prominently displayed. Throughout history, the stag has symbolized virility, the hunt, and a connection to nature. In ancient mythologies, it was often associated with gods of the forest, such as Artemis or Diana, the huntress. Now, consider how this symbol has evolved. From the Paleolithic cave paintings, where deer are depicted as sources of life and sustenance, to the medieval tapestries, where the stag hunt became a symbol of aristocratic power. Think, too, of the psychological weight of this imagery. The act of hunting evokes themes of pursuit, dominance, and the primal instincts that resonate deep within our subconscious. Observe the hunter's melancholic pose, a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death. The stag, a symbol of renewal and regeneration, falls, yet its image persists, transformed by our collective memory into something more.