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

This pen and ink illustration by Danish artist H.P. Hansen depicts a scene from Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale "The Ugly Duckling". The illustration, dated 1870-1873, captures the moment when the duckling, now a swan, is finally recognized for its true beauty. It is a smaller work, measuring 160 mm in height and 124 mm in width, and is currently housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen. The detailed lines and hatching create a sense of realism and depth, highlighting the simple yet poignant scene of domestic life and the eventual triumph of beauty over hardship.