O, hvad giver jeg ikke for at komme til mit Barn!... 1898

Fritz Syberg created this drawing, whose title translates to "Oh, what wouldn't I give to get to my child!..." to accompany a tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Made during a period of increasing industrialization in Denmark, the drawing presents a stark contrast between the natural world and the emotional turmoil of the mother depicted. This image can be read through the lens of gendered expectations and the societal pressures placed on women. The mother's sorrow is palpable, her posture conveying a sense of desperation and longing. It resonates with historical contexts where women's identities were often defined by their roles as mothers, their worth intrinsically tied to their children's well-being. Syberg uses the story to develop alternative narratives around motherhood and loss, tapping into deep emotional and personal dimensions. It serves as a poignant commentary on the universal struggles of parenthood, reflecting societal anxieties around family and belonging.