Holtet 1832

Søren Henrik Petersen made this print called 'Holtet' using engraving, a technique that involves cutting lines into a metal plate to hold ink. The artwork presents a landscape with a group of people wading through water, a scene that invites us to consider the relationship between humanity and nature during Petersen's time. In the 19th century, nature was often viewed through a romantic lens, a space for reflection and escape from industrializing urban centers. Yet, this romantic view often obscures the labor and lived experiences of those who interacted with the land daily. Who are these figures in the water? Are they workers, travelers, or something else entirely? Petersen’s work provides space to reflect on the diverse experiences of people who engage with the natural world. What feelings does this landscape evoke in you? Does it echo a sense of peace, or perhaps hint at the unseen stories of those who traverse it?