The Amazing Paper Cuttings of Hans Christian Andersen

As Andersen's fairy tales grew ever more popular, their author became one of the modern world's first international celebrities, and a much sought-after houseguest of the rich and titled of Europe. In return for the lavish hospitality accorded him, Andersen was usually willing to perform a program of stories for his hosts and their friends. If children were present, he might embellish the recitation by taking scissors in hand and improvising cut-paper illustrations like those reproduced and enlarged here. The many such paper cuts that survive reveal another, lesser-known side of Andersen: the visual artist of astonishing inventiveness, wit, and technical virtuosity.

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