Illustration til "Den lille Pige med Svovlstikkerne" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 2 1870 - 1873

This illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl" was created by H.P. Hansen, a printmaker who lived in 19th century Denmark. Engravings like these brought stories to life, especially for those who couldn't read. Here, the little match girl is framed by the harsh architecture, a visual reminder of the social structures that trap her. Hansen’s image reflects the stark realities of poverty and childhood labor during the Industrial Revolution. The girl’s face, though, carries a certain resilience. It invites us to reflect on the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty while prompting a personal reckoning with our own capacity for empathy and action. Hansen doesn't just depict a character; he presents a mirror, reflecting society's complex relationship with innocence and inequality.