Rotterne. Illustration til H.V. Kaalund, "Fabler for Børn" 1866

Curator: Here we have H.P. Hansen's etching, woodcut, and drawing titled "Rotterne. Illustration til H.V. Kaalund, \"Fabler for Børn\"," created in 1866. What strikes you initially? Editor: Well, before even considering the material or its making, it feels whimsical. The image suggests something between folklore and an illustration from a child's storybook, not particularly sophisticated, maybe even naive, but engaging nonetheless. Curator: It's a fascinating blend of techniques—the detailed etching gives it a level of realism, contrasting with the simpler woodcut and drawing elements. The social context is key. Hansen created this as an illustration for a children’s book, tapping into a burgeoning market for illustrated literature and education. Editor: Looking closer, there's an interplay between light and shadow that builds tension. The pitcher and eggs contrast with the rats, contributing to a domestic narrative. Are the eggs meant to represent innocence or wealth? Are the rats evil? It's all rather ambivalent to me. Curator: Precisely. The work plays with themes of class and consumption, illustrating Kaalund’s fables and probably intended to moralize in the education of children. Consider how the materials—affordable printmaking techniques—made these stories accessible. It served the purpose to produce it for mass consumption for educational purposes. Editor: Right, but beyond the surface meaning, there's something hauntingly relatable about it. Rats stealing eggs mirror the struggle for survival, don’t you think? It resonates today, this piece... Curator: Indeed. Hansen's work reflects a time when art was becoming more democratized. The illustration and use of printmaking, allow for these narratives to be spread further through different tiers of society, and especially with children's books, we get a clear look at the target audiences from that time. Editor: Absolutely, it leaves me contemplating the simple profundity in its craft, this image sparks so much reflection! Curator: I find myself marveling at its complexity given the means used to create it, showing the material constraints shape the artist's choices.