Studier af ænder 1822 - 1848

Christen Købke sketched these ducks with pencil on paper. The duck, seemingly simple, carries a rich symbolic weight across cultures. Here, we see the duck in its natural state, afloat and nesting. But let us not be deceived by its unassuming presentation; across time and space, the duck surfaces as a potent emblem, waddling into various mythologies and belief systems. From ancient Egyptian art, where waterfowl symbolized the soul's journey, to its significance in some Far Eastern philosophies representing adaptability and resourcefulness. Consider how this seemingly commonplace bird has been imbued with deeper meaning, reflecting our perennial fascination with nature and our attempts to decode its secrets. These sketches engage us on a profound, subconscious level, awakening associations and emotions deeply rooted in our collective psyche. These resurfaced symbols reflect the cyclical, non-linear progression of cultural memory, constantly evolving and taking on new meanings.