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

This illustration for Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Ugly Duckling" was made by H.P. Hansen in 19th century Denmark and printed in "Fairy Tales and Stories, Volume 1". It shows the interior of a cottage, where an old woman sits while a cat, a hen, and a duckling surround her. It’s interesting to think about how this image creates meaning through its visual codes. The setting is one of rural poverty, which was still a fact of life for many in Denmark at this time. Andersen's story, like this picture, speaks to the rigid social hierarchies that characterized 19th-century Europe. Here we see a world of strict boundaries that are seemingly natural; the farm animals know their place, and so does the old woman. Yet, Andersen’s tale implies the possibility of social mobility and self-transformation. Understanding this image requires research into the social and institutional context of Danish art and literature. Historians consult archives, letters, and publications to better understand the public role of art.