Illustration til "Gutten og Fanden" 1829 - 1899

H.P. Hansen created this illustration for "The Boy and the Devil" using engraving techniques to capture a moment of folklore. Hansen lived in a time of burgeoning nationalism in Denmark, where there was focus on rediscovering and celebrating folk traditions. This image provides an insight into the narratives that shaped cultural identity. The stark contrast of light and shadow evokes a world where morality is constantly challenged. The figure of the blacksmith, laboring alongside the devil, presents a complex interplay of power, temptation, and the human condition. The child’s presence introduces a theme of innocence and the vulnerability of youth in the face of dark forces. The illustration prompts us to reflect on our own struggles with morality, and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of good and evil, as well as the personal dimensions of these archetypes.