Høns. Studie 1875

Theodor Philipsen made this study of hens with pencil and watercolor on paper. Born in 1840, Philipsen lived through a period of intense social and political change in Denmark, marked by the rise of industrialization and urbanization. Here, the intimate portrayal of domestic life is evident. Yet, what does it mean to focus on the everyday lives of animals in a rapidly changing society? As you look at the hens, consider the cultural associations tied to femininity and domesticity. Are these fowl merely subjects of observation, or do they reflect broader societal values and gender roles? Philipsen’s choice to depict these creatures, rendered with soft strokes and muted tones, evokes a sense of tenderness. In a world undergoing massive transformations, the humble hen becomes a poignant reminder of simpler, perhaps idealized, ways of life.