Hans Christian Andersen Poet with Pen and Scissors   20.10.2018 - 24.02.2019

Hans Christian Andersen. Poet with Pen and Scissors

Fairy tales such as The Little Mermaid, The Emperor’s New Clothes and The Princess and the Pea made Hans Christian Andersen famous during his lifetime. Illustrations by Vilhelm Pedersen, Lorenz Frølich and Otto Speckter contributed to this popularity. In contrast, the subtle and surprisingly modern works on paper that the prominent Danish writer created remain almost completely unknown. They were never made public by Andersen and were primarily presented to his friends as gifts.

The enchanting and bizarre paper world of Hans Christian Andersen ranges from radical, abstract landscapes to grotesque cut-outs, adventurous ink-blot drawings and stunning picture books with collages. This unknown side of Andersen is an artistic discovery that also left a trail for pop art icon Andy Warhol to follow: He captured Andersen and his cut-outs in colourful silkscreen prints and thus made a significant contribution to the prolific Andersen reception, which started in the early 20th century and continues to the present day.

Generous loans from the Odense City Museums, The Royal Library Copenhagen and private owners are making this the most comprehensive presentation in Germany of Hans Christian Andersen as an artist.

The exhibition is held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte of Denmark.

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