Hønsene og ænderne. Th. studie af en and som nyder regnen 1843

Johan Thomas Lundbye made this study of chickens and ducks with pencil on paper, although the date is unknown, he produced it sometime between 1818 and 1848. In the context of early 19th-century Danish art, the seeming simplicity of this sketch holds deeper cultural significance. Lundbye was a key figure in the Danish Golden Age, a period marked by a surge in national identity and artistic exploration of the local landscape and everyday life. His choice to depict ordinary farm animals connects to the broader artistic movement emphasizing the value and beauty of the Danish countryside. The subtle observation of the duck, seemingly enjoying the rain, suggests a romantic appreciation for the natural world, characteristic of the period. You may want to consult the artist's other works and the writings of the time in order to fully appreciate the social and cultural values that informed Lundbye’s art.