Illustration til "Den gamle Gadelygte" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 2 1870 - 1873

H.P. Hansen made this illustration for Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, "The Old Street Lamp," using an engraving technique. Look closely and you’ll see how the lines create a whole world of texture and tone. It is a labor-intensive process; each mark meticulously carved to produce an image when printed. Consider the subject: an obsolete street lamp, replaced by new technology. Hansen’s choice of engraving – a somewhat old-fashioned technique even at the time – seems fitting. The very process embodies the story's themes of obsolescence and memory. The lamp itself, rendered with care, contrasts with the sketchier figures in the background, perhaps a nod to the dignity of labor versus the relative ease of modern life. This small illustration invites us to consider how materials and methods can profoundly enhance narrative, blurring the line between craft and fine art.