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

H.P. Hansen rendered this illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's "The Flippers" using engraving, a method that etches images into our minds as surely as into the printing plate. Observe the gesture of the hands—palms out, fingers spread—a primal signal of astonishment or supplication. This isn't merely an illustration; it's a window into the very soul of expression. The act of reaching out, so fundamental to human interaction, echoes across time and cultures. Consider similar gestures in ancient Egyptian art, where outstretched hands denote reverence or offering. Such gestures tap into our collective unconscious, triggering deep-seated emotional responses. It’s an appeal, a plea, perhaps even a silent scream captured in ink. This symbol's progression is non-linear; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human expression and our shared emotional language.