Illustration til "Elverhøi" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 2 1870 - 1873

This small drawing illustrates H.C. Andersen's "Elverhøi" and was created by H.P. Hansen using pen and ink. The eye is immediately drawn to the rhythmic composition of dancing figures, each gracefully draped in flowing fabric. Hansen masterfully uses line to suggest movement and depth, creating a sense of ethereal lightness. The strategic arrangement of the figures, with their arms raised and cloths extended, forms a visual arc that both contains and propels the energy of the scene. Hansen's technique speaks to a broader interest in Romanticism and its fascination with folklore. The delicate lines and soft shading enhance the mystical atmosphere. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to consider how simple lines can evoke complex emotions and narratives. The drawing offers a glimpse into a world where the boundary between the earthly and the supernatural blurs.