Mergling af Vallekilde præstegårdsmark, i baggrunden Hankehøj 1846

Johan Thomas Lundbye made this oil on canvas painting called "Mergling af Vallekilde præstegårdsmark, i baggrunden Hankehøj" sometime in the mid-19th century. It depicts the work of Danish farmers using horses to spread fertilizer, or "marl," on the fields of Vallekilde. Lundbye made this painting during the Danish Golden Age, a time of nationalist sentiment when artists focused on depicting the landscape and folk life of Denmark. As a painting, it is both realistic and idealized. Lundbye realistically represents the landscape and labor of Danish farmers, but he does so with a sense of serenity. This idealization of rural life was a common theme in Danish art of the time, and it can be seen as a response to the increasing urbanization and industrialization of Denmark. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It is a reminder of the importance of agriculture in Danish culture and history. It's a testament to the talent of Danish artists and their ability to capture the beauty of their country. Further research using historical records, such as census data and agricultural surveys, could shed more light on the lives and work of Danish farmers in the 19th century.