Illustration til "Alt paa sin rette Plads" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 2 1870 - 1873

H.P. Hansen created this illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's "Everything in its Right Place" in the 19th century. The image encapsulates the bourgeois ideals of family, religion, and order during that period. Notice how the figures are arranged: the father presides over the family with a book, suggesting knowledge and control, while the women and children are positioned to reflect a hierarchy of age and gender. The image subtly reinforces the patriarchal structure of the 19th-century household, where roles were rigidly defined. Even the family cat seems to know its place! This domestic scene offers an intimate glimpse into the values and expectations of the time, inviting us to reflect on how social norms shape our understanding of family and belonging. It reminds us that behind every story, there is a complex web of cultural beliefs that influence our perceptions.