Children Illustration The Snow Queen  from The Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen illustrator Kay Nielsen

 "A few persons even got a fragment of the mirror into their hearts, and that was terrible indeed, for such a heart became a block of ice..."

Original Gravure Process print after Kay Nielsen (1886 -1957)

 Published London, 1924

"The Snow Queen" was published by Hans Christian Andersen in 1844. The story centers on the struggle between good & evil experienced by Gerda and her friend, Kay. The story is one of Andersen's longest and most highly acclaimed stories.

 Kay Nielsen is a celebrated artist born in Copenhagen.  Nielsen was inspired to illustrate traditional Norse stories by his mother reading them to him. From 1904-1911 he studied art at the Academie Julien. Moving to London in 1911 the art critics were impressed by his unusual style. His use of line was distinctively his own. Nielsen used brilliant colour, layers of design and would introduce intriguing images. He was adept at elaborate rococo motifs while heavily influences by the strong colour palette of the the Orient and Persia. In 1936 Nielsen and his wife settled in Los Angeles, with occasion involvement with movie set design, one being "Fantasia". He Worked with Walt Disney also. The You Tube videos linked to his illustrations would not be alien to him (well maybe the 3D versions!)

 Size image = 14.8 x 20cm (5.9 x 8inch)  / Condition = Excellent