Illustration til "Fem fra en Ærtebælg" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 2 1870 - 1873

H. P. Hansen made this illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's "Five Peas from a Pod," likely in the mid-19th century. The image captures a poignant scene of poverty and illness. We see a child confined to a bed in a simple, perhaps even impoverished, dwelling. An older woman stands by, suggesting care and concern. Consider the social context of mid-19th century Denmark. Andersen's stories often reflect the realities of the era, including social inequality and the struggles of the poor. Hansen's illustration, made for a popular book, would have helped to reinforce the author's commentary on the society of the time. The starkness of the room, the child's pale face, and the woman's somber presence all contribute to a narrative of hardship. By studying such images alongside the literary works they accompany, and researching the social conditions of the time, we can better understand the cultural values and anxieties of 19th-century Denmark.