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

This illustration by H.P. Hansen, made in the late 19th century, accompanies H.V. Kaalund's "Fabler for Børn," or "Fables for Children." During this period in Denmark, there was growing interest in representing rural life and the natural world, reflecting a desire to preserve and celebrate national identity. Hansen’s illustration, with its depiction of cattle in a field, speaks to the cultural values and the agricultural basis of Danish society at the time. The image captures a sense of freedom and energy as the animals are released from their winter enclosure; we see the young calf leaping forward. It gives us insight into the relationship between humans and animals, and it reflects the realities of rural labor and the seasonal rhythms that shaped people's lives. The poem below, translated, speaks of the "unruly" bulls and "heifers," who run wildly, hooves pounding the earth. Ultimately, this illustration is not just a portrayal of farm animals but a reflection of cultural identity, labor, and the emotional connection to the natural world.