Dancing Fairies

Dancing Fairies is a painting by the swedish artist August Malmström (1829-1901) that was made in 1866.

In the artwork we can see what at first appears to be mist on an evening landscape. But as you look closer you can see the vague shapes of humans as the spectral beings move across the land and the river. A moon can be seen in the background, signifying the coming night.

Reality and fantasy are mixed together in this painting. Is what we see merely an illusion, a trick on our eyes that makes us see something that isn't there? Or are we getting a peek behind the curtain as the spirits of nature reveal themselves to us? 

What does this painting represent? Is it rebellion against rationalism and wanting to see the magic of the world? A notion that there's something more to this life than materialism? Is it worship of nature, or is it a fear of its hidden powers?

Where do the fairies come from and where are they going? Will they take us with them, or is this but a moment that we are given on this calm evening?