"Kjerlighed paa Moden" 1834 - 1866

"Kjerlighed paa Moden," or "Love on the Wane," is an intriguing etching of unknown origin, found here at the SMK. The print presents a whimsical, satirical scene: a kangaroo dressed in formal attire serenades a bird perched atop a classical fountain. This juxtaposition blends the exotic with the traditional, inviting a closer look at the themes of love and societal expectations. Consider how the artist uses anthropomorphic imagery to perhaps critique human relationships. The kangaroo, an animal from a distant land, embodying human-like emotion and behavior, makes us question the nature of love and longing. Is it a commentary on the superficiality of courtship, or a reflection on the universal desire for connection? The ambiguity and anonymity of the artwork deepen its allure, leaving us to ponder the mysteries of affection and the complexities of the human heart.