Illustration til O. Specter, "Fabler for Børn" 1838

Vilhelm Kyhn created this illustration for O. Specter’s “Fabler for Børn” using etching techniques. Central to this fable are the geese, symbols deeply rooted in human consciousness. Since antiquity, geese have represented vigilance and domesticity. In ancient Rome, they were sacred to Juno and were kept in the temple, their cackling famously warning of the Gaul’s attack. This protective aspect can be traced through various cultures, evolving into symbols of family and care. In contrast, consider the darker side—the goose as a symbol of foolishness, a simpleton, perhaps reflecting our anxieties about ignorance. This duality reveals how symbols morph, reflecting collective fears and aspirations across time. The emotional resonance of these animal symbols, passed down through generations, engages us on a subconscious level, prompting reflection on our shared cultural narrative. Note that it's not a linear path, rather cyclical, evolving in tandem with societal change.