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

This is H.P. Hansen's illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," part of "Fairy Tales and Stories, Volume 1." Hansen, working in 19th century Denmark, uses the visual language of his time to depict a world of fantasy and moral instruction. The fairy tale, steeped in the patriarchal values of the era, tells of a young girl's quest to rescue a boy from the Snow Queen’s icy clutches. Here, we see the Queen's elaborate carriage pulled by horses, but look closely - these are royal figures, perhaps symbols of the power and privilege that enable the Queen's dominion. What does it mean to have your subjects become the very instruments of your power? The tale, and this image, invites us to reflect on the role of women, power, and the emotional landscapes of childhood, offering a glimpse into the societal expectations and fears of the time.