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

This black and white wood engraving by H.P. Hansen, created between 1870 and 1873, depicts a scene from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, "Under Piletræet". The illustration is a small-scale work, measuring just 135 mm high and 97 mm wide, and is currently housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst. The scene features a couple in formal attire being greeted by a crowd of people as they step out of a doorway, suggesting a celebratory or momentous occasion. The artwork exemplifies the style of illustration popular in the late 19th century, characterized by detailed line work and a focus on storytelling.