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

This is H.P. Hansen's "Nissen. Illustration til H.V. Kaalund, Fabler for Børn", a monochrome print now in the Statens Museum for Kunst. It was made in 19th century Denmark as an illustration for a collection of children's fables. The image depicts a woman leaving out a bowl of rice porridge for the Nissen, a mythological creature from Scandinavian folklore said to live on farms and protect them. This particular Nissen is being offered a Christmas treat. Hansen’s illustration provides a glimpse into the cultural beliefs and traditions of 19th-century Denmark. The Nissen figure is a manifestation of a pre-Christian worldview in what was then a Lutheran society. These beliefs existed mainly in the rural population. The illustration provides a record of Denmark’s social and cultural history, reflecting the values, beliefs, and daily lives of its people. By studying such artworks and their contexts, historians can gain insights into the complex interplay between art, culture, and society.