Illustration til "Nissen hos Spekhøkeren" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 2 1870 - 1873

H.P. Hansen created this illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's "The Goblin and the Grocer" using engraving. The composition is deceptively simple, yet rich in structural elements. The monochromatic palette focuses attention on the intricate linework and the textures it creates, from the rough hewn door to the thatched roof. Note how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to define forms, adding depth and volume to the compact space. The figure of the goblin is positioned centrally, his gaze and posture creating a visual pathway that leads us from the immediate foreground into the deeper recesses of the grocer’s domain. This strategic arrangement invites us to consider the visual dynamics at play, how the narrative unfolds through a delicate balance of light and shadow, form and void, revealing the underlying structure of the story itself. The artwork doesn’t just illustrate; it interprets. The structural integrity of the composition transforms the image into a complex semiotic system, reflecting how visual languages can engage with themes of perception and perspective.