Illustration til "Halvhundrede Fabler for Børn" af Hey 1834

Martinus Rørbye created this illustration for "Fifty Fables for Children" with pen and ink. Dominating the scene, we see a large tree juxtaposed with a floating head in the distance. The tree, a universal symbol of life and growth, suggests nature's enduring presence. The disembodied head evokes ancient myths and dreams, reminiscent of figures from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, or the severed head of Orpheus, continuing to sing. Such images tap into our collective memory, stirring primal fears and fascinations. The head is serene, yet unsettling, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, a visual echo passed down through generations. The cyclical progression of the symbols resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.