Illustration til Chr. Winthers A.B.C. 1863

H.P. Hansen made this illustration for Christian Winther’s A.B.C. sometime in the 19th century using a technique called wood engraving. The process begins by meticulously carving an image into the end grain of a block of wood, traditionally boxwood, which is known for its hardness and fine texture, allowing for very detailed work. The tools used are burins or gravers, which are pushed through the wood to create lines and textures. Ink is then applied to the surface of the block, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. The beauty of wood engraving lies in its capacity for subtle tonal variations. The illustration itself depicts scenes of daily life, from a mother tending to her child to men drinking together and a father planting a tree with his son. What’s especially interesting is the way this medium—originally developed for commercial reproduction—is here deployed in service of children’s education, a powerful combination of labor, learning, and legacy.