Kay Rasmus Nielsen (March 12, 1886 – June 21, 1957) was a Danish illustrator who was popular in the early 20th century, the “golden age of illustration”. He joined the ranks of Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac in enjoying the success of the gift books of the early 20th century. Nielsen is also known for his collaborations with Disney for whom he contributed many story sketches and illustrations.

Nielsen’s first illustrated book, In Powder and Crinoline was published in 1913. He went on to illustrate East of the Sun, West of the Moon (1914), Andersen’s Fairy Tales (1924), Hansel and Gretel (1924) and Red Magic (1930).

I took the chance to re-scan all my Kay Nielsen’s books in the past two months and I’d like to present Kay Nielsen’s first work: In Powder and Crinoline, first published by Hodder & Stoughton, London in 1913. The images are now as close to the originals as possible with the new scanner. I’ll publish the last of the Nielsen’s updates, Arabian Nights in the next few days. The only book I’m missing is Red Magic, published in 1930, if you own a copy and want to sell it, please let me know.