Illustration til "Engelen" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 1 1870 - 1873

This is H.P. Hansen's illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Angel." The black lines etched on this small, rectangular plate create a composition that evokes a sense of ethereal peace. An angel, draped in flowing robes, cradles a child, and a small bouquet of flowers, all rendered in delicate detail. Hansen's use of line is particularly striking. He employs hatching and cross-hatching to create tonal variations, building volume and texture in the figures and the angel's wings. Notice how the lines create a sense of movement in the clouds beneath the figures, contrasting with the stillness of the angel’s face. The simplicity of the etched line, combined with the subject matter, invites us to consider the semiotic weight of these symbols. Angels often represent guidance and comfort, whilst a child may embody innocence and purity. Together, they may challenge fixed notions, presenting a poignant image of care and protection. Through form and composition, Hansen visualizes a moment of profound tenderness, inviting endless interpretation.