En vej i Dyrehaven. Efterår 1889

Theodor Philipsen created this oil painting, titled *A Road in Dyrehaven. Autumn*, in Denmark sometime in the late 19th century. Dyrehaven, or the Deer Garden, was a popular site for recreation, north of Copenhagen. The painting depicts the autumn landscape with trees lining a path, leaves scattered on the ground, and a cow standing in the foreground. Philipsen was a key figure in Danish Impressionism. He captures a fleeting moment in nature, focusing on light and atmosphere. As such, it is easy to see him as an artist focused on aesthetic beauty. But consider how the image makes meaning: the painting offers us a glimpse into the social and cultural life of the time. Dyrehaven was a royal hunting park opened to the public, reflecting changing attitudes toward land use and recreation. The presence of the cow suggests the integration of agricultural life with natural landscapes. To better understand Philipsen’s intentions we can research the cultural context of late 19th-century Denmark. We can read exhibition reviews, consult letters, and look into the history of Dyrehaven. Through these resources, we begin to understand the image not as a reflection of one man’s genius, but as a cultural artifact, a sign of its time.