H. C. Andersen 1813 - 1875

This is Andreas Martin Petersen's portrait of H.C. Andersen, a delicate dance of light and shadow rendered through the precise art of engraving. The subject's gaze draws us in, but it is the composition that dictates our experience. The image is structured by contrasts: the detailed rendering of Andersen set against the stark whiteness of the surrounding paper. Petersen masterfully uses tonal variation to define form, creating depth within the confines of the print. Notice how the tightly controlled lines and cross-hatching not only construct the image, but also contribute to a sense of texture, a tactile quality despite the flatness of the medium. Engraving, with its inherent linearity, echoes the structured narratives that characterized much of Andersen’s own literary work. Here, the artist doesn't just present a likeness; he offers a study in form, where every line serves a dual purpose, both descriptive and expressive. The tension between representation and abstraction invites us to look beyond the surface and consider the underlying structures that give the image its enduring presence.