Illustration til Johan Krohn, "Peters jul" 1870

This is an illustration by F. Hendriksen for Johan Krohn's "Peters jul." It's rendered with the precision of a printmaker, likely using etching or engraving. Notice the linear quality, how each line is carefully placed to define form and texture. Printmaking allows for the mass production of images, making art accessible to a wider audience. Here, it serves the purpose of illustrating a children’s story, embedding visual narratives within everyday life. The composition is carefully planned, with vignettes offering glimpses into different stages of the goose’s life. Consider the stark contrast between the lively market scene and the goose's eventual fate, a poignant commentary on consumption and the food chain. Hendriksen's technique, rooted in traditional craft, underscores these themes, prompting us to reflect on the processes that transform living beings into commodities. This piece blurs the lines between art, craft, and social commentary, inviting us to consider the labor and ethics embedded in what we consume.