Illustration til O. Specter, "Fabler for Børn" 1838

This small illustration for O. Specter’s “Fabler for Børn” was created by Vilhelm Kyhn, who lived between 1819 and 1903. Kyhn came of age during the Danish Golden Age, a period marked by a burgeoning national romanticism. This black and white image depicts a child, caught in a moment of surprise or alarm, as a bee approaches. The gendering of childhood was distinct during the 19th century, with dress and hair styles often blurring the lines between boys and girls in their early years. This image, created to illustrate fables intended for children, participates in the construction of childhood as a distinct and formative phase. The child's posture and expression evoke a sense of innocence, inviting viewers to reflect on their own early encounters with the natural world. Kyhn’s illustration prompts a tender reflection on the formative experiences that shape our understanding of self.