Milking scene. Illustrating a poem by Christian Winther 1841

Johan Thomas Lundbye painted this pastoral scene, illustrating a poem by Christian Winther, using traditional oil paints on canvas. Looking closely, we can see the artist has built up layers of paint to create a textured surface, particularly noticeable in the foliage and the rendering of the sky. The very act of milking, here immortalized in paint, speaks to a society deeply connected to the land and its agricultural rhythms. Lundbye’s choice of oil paint—a medium favored by the elite art world—to depict such a humble scene elevates the everyday labor of rural life. The detailed brushwork and attention to light suggest a romanticized view of country life, yet the scene also subtly acknowledges the work involved in sustaining such an existence. By using techniques associated with high art to portray this scene of labor, Lundbye challenges the conventional hierarchy between fine art and the everyday experiences of ordinary people.