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

Here we see an illustration by H.P. Hansen for Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor's New Clothes." The scene is dominated by two swindlers, one gleefully raising his hat in a gesture that seems both celebratory and mocking. Note how the other places his hand on his belly, a sign of mirth, emphasizing their deception. These are the symbols of false celebration, of hollowness disguised as grandeur. Consider the recurring motif of the trickster found throughout history. We see it echoed in commedia dell'arte and even in ancient myths, embodying the human capacity for deceit and the constant questioning of appearances. This motif evolves; it is echoed in literature and the performing arts, yet the core remains: the subversion of authority through clever manipulation. In the collective psyche, the trickster evokes a blend of amusement and unease, a mirror reflecting our own vulnerabilities to deception. Observe how the artist captures the essence of human folly, a reminder that appearances can often be deceiving. The image serves as a warning to always question what is presented to us.