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

This is an illustration for H.C. Andersen’s "The Daisy" ("Gaaseurten"), made by H.P. Hansen. Hansen created this delicate line drawing to accompany a tale deeply rooted in 19th-century Romanticism. It presents an idyllic scene of nature, where even the smallest creatures and plants have their own stories. However, Andersen’s stories often carried social critiques, subtly woven into the narrative. Here, the daisy, simple and unassuming, is contrasted with the more 'impressive' tulip. Consider the story as a reflection on social hierarchies and values, where humility and authenticity are just as valuable as outward show and status. What does it mean to be overlooked, and how does one find worth in a society that often celebrates the grandiose? The image invites us to reflect on our own perceptions of value and beauty, and the quiet dignity of the ‘daisies’ among us.