Året 1157. Illustration til "Folkekalender for Danmark 1857" 1857

H.P. Hansen made this illustration for the Danish Folk Calendar in 1857 using engraving, a printmaking technique that requires a great deal of skill. The process begins by incising an image into a hard, flat surface – in this case, most likely a copper plate. This creates fine lines that will hold ink. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper. The pressure from the press transfers the ink, resulting in the final print. In this dramatic scene of warfare, Hansen’s command of the engraved line creates a sense of depth and movement. Look closely, and you can see how the density and direction of the lines create the textures of clothing, weaponry, and even the stormy sky. The very act of engraving, with its precise and repetitive motions, echoes the labor and discipline of the soldiers depicted. This finely crafted print, made for a calendar intended for everyday use, shows how artistic skill could be intertwined with the rhythms of daily life. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images can carry a wealth of meaning, both artistic and social.