En død hest køres bort på en æselkærre 1846

Johan Thomas Lundbye made this drawing of a dead horse being carted away on a donkey cart, likely in 1846, using pen, ink, and watercolor on paper. The image presents a stark depiction of working-class life. The use of humble materials like ink and watercolor emphasizes the everyday nature of the scene, avoiding the grandeur associated with traditional fine art. The horse, once a valuable asset, is now reduced to dead weight, highlighting the precariousness of existence. The drawing's texture, achieved through delicate pen work and subtle washes of color, conveys a sense of realism. The scene is imbued with social significance, reflecting the artist’s interest in capturing the realities of rural life, where animals and humans alike were subject to the harsh realities of labor and mortality. Lundbye's choice of materials and subject matter challenges conventional distinctions between high art and craft. It invites us to consider the social context in which art is produced and consumed, reminding us that even the most seemingly ordinary scenes can hold profound meaning.