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

H.P. Hansen created this illustration for Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Metal Pig” story. The piece is defined by the interplay of line, texture, and a structured composition. Notice the stark contrast between the rough, vertical lines suggesting the interior of the room and the meticulously detailed figures. This juxtaposition directs our gaze towards the emotional narrative unfolding. The arrangement of the characters—the mother, child, and gentleman—forms a semiotic triangle. The mother and child are bound by gestures of care, while the gentleman stands apart. The artist uses the contrast in clothing to signify social status, and the metal pig at the bottom serves as a focal point. It connects the narrative to themes of value and transformation central to Andersen's tale. Consider how Hansen's structured approach invites us to decode the visual cues. The arrangement prompts us to engage with broader cultural discourses around class, care, and the transformative power of narrative.