Bedstemoders høne. Fra J. C. Gerson: Skolen og hjemmet, nr. 2 1852

Sophus Schack created this print, "Bedstemoders høne. Fra J. C. Gerson: Skolen og hjemmet, nr. 2," sometime in the 19th century. As an artist working in 19th-century Denmark, Schack’s work would have been deeply influenced by the national romantic movement, which sought to define and celebrate Danish identity through its history, culture, and landscape. Looking at the image, we see the idealized image of domestic tranquility, family, and the natural world which would have resonated deeply with the values of the time. This idyllic image of a grandmother in her garden surrounded by children and animals evokes a sense of comfort, security, and nostalgia for a simpler, rural past. This image, framed for "Skolen og Hjemmet" (The School and the Home), suggests how education was envisioned in tandem with moral instruction and the inculcation of cultural values. Consider how this work reflects and reinforces prevailing social norms, while also offering a glimpse into the emotional and personal dimensions of Danish life during this period.