Illustration til "Østenfor Sol og Vestenfor Maane" 1829 - 1899

H.P. Hansen created this illustration for "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" using engraving techniques. The immediate impression is one of stark contrast, where light confronts darkness. This contrast, achieved through careful gradations of line and tone, structures the image and guides our vision. The subject, illuminated by the single candle she holds, becomes a focal point of formal exploration. The light does not merely reveal her, but actively models her form, creating highlights and shadows that articulate the contours of her face and clothing. The surrounding darkness, rather than being empty space, is rendered with detailed hatching, thus intensifying the luminosity of the candle. Consider how Hansen destabilizes the traditional use of light. Here, it is not merely an aesthetic element, but a narrative device that invites us to question what is illuminated and what remains hidden. In this play of visibility and invisibility, the image suggests broader themes of revelation, knowledge, and the hidden aspects of storytelling.