Konen og hesten. Illustration til Kaalunds "Fabler for Børn". Se kommentar fra arkkatalog. 1843

Johan Thomas Lundbye made this illustration in Denmark, most likely in the 1840s, as part of his work for Kaalund's "Fabler for Børn" – or Fables for Children. In this image, we see a woman with a bundle on her back in a forest, while a horse stands nearby. Lundbye's work often reflects a deep connection to the Danish landscape and rural life. During the Danish Golden Age, there was growing national romanticism, with artists seeking to define and celebrate Danish identity. Lundbye, in particular, focuses on everyday scenes, elevating the common folk and rural settings, perhaps subtly commenting on the social structures of his time by celebrating the dignity of labor. Understanding this artwork involves considering the role of national identity and the celebration of rural life within the broader European context of the 19th century. By exploring letters, reviews, and other period documents, historians can gain insights into the artist's intentions and the cultural values that shaped his artistic vision. Ultimately, the meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.