Duerne. Illustration til H.V. Kaalund, "Fabler for Børn" 1866

H.P. Hansen created this illustration for H.V. Kaalund’s "Fabler for Børn" using engraving, sometime in the 19th century. The image presents a scene of domesticity and danger, with doves perched innocently while a predator looms, memorialized as a warning. It reflects the 19th-century Danish society's fascination with moralizing tales and the natural world, often used to instill values in children. Hansen’s work highlights the influence of Romantic nationalism, which sought to define Danish identity through its folklore and literature. The visual language is steeped in cultural references. Doves, traditionally symbols of peace, are contrasted with the dead predator, nailed to the wall – a common practice used to deter further threats. This imagery speaks to the anxieties and moral lessons prevalent in the era’s educational materials. To fully understand Hansen’s illustration, one might explore archives of Danish children's literature and the broader context of 19th-century art education. These resources reveal how artists contributed to shaping social norms and national identity.