H.C. Andersen 1929

This is Peter Ilsted's portrait of H.C. Andersen, made using mezzotint in 1924. The image depicts the famous Danish author who remains a cultural icon, particularly for his fairy tales. Looking at the image, we can see a blend of formal portraiture and subtle hints of Andersen’s literary persona. Ilsted made this portrait long after Andersen’s death; his intention was to memorialize Andersen as a cultural treasure, and this explains the formal tone. The portrait immortalizes him, reflecting the high status of artists and writers in Danish society, similar to other European countries at the time. As historians, it is important to ask if the portrait reflects the real person or an idealized version of him. We must consider the social conditions in which the image was made, consulting biographies, letters, and cultural histories to uncover the complex relationship between Andersen, Ilsted, and Danish society in the early 20th century. Only then can we appreciate the image's true historical and cultural significance.