The large reservoir, Saltholm 1911

Theodor Philipsen captured this pastoral scene with oil on canvas, revealing a world where nature and domesticity intertwine. Central to the composition are the animals, each laden with symbolic weight. Cows, those gentle ruminants, have long been symbols of nourishment and plenty, harkening back to ancient fertility cults. They remind us of the primal connection between humans and the land, echoing through Minoan frescoes and Egyptian hieroglyphs. The geese, with their watchful eyes, may evoke the Roman legend of the geese of the Capitoline, symbols of vigilance and guardianship. This motif is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, representing both protection and an awareness of unseen threats. Even horses can be interpreted through the lens of history, embodying freedom, power, and vitality. The clustering of these animals around a water source carries deep emotional weight, suggesting a yearning for sustenance and connection, tapping into our most primitive and enduring needs.