Illustration til "Hyldemoer" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 2 1870 - 1873

This illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's "The Elder Tree Mother" was created by H.P. Hansen using engraving techniques. The composition centers on an elderly couple seated on a bench, framed by an arching canopy of elder tree foliage. The delicate hatching and cross-hatching define forms and textures, creating a sense of depth and intimacy. Hansen masterfully uses line to suggest the play of light and shadow, particularly in the rendering of the figures' clothing and the surrounding foliage. This technique gives the illustration a tactile quality. The figures are positioned close together, suggesting a connection between them. The engraving embodies a semiotic interplay between nature and the domestic sphere. The elder tree, a recurring motif in Andersen’s tales, acts as a signifier of both protection and the passage of time. The close proximity of the figures, combined with the overarching natural element, suggests an engagement with themes of memory, aging, and enduring affection. The work invites ongoing reflection on the narrative and cultural meanings embedded within its seemingly simple composition.