Die Prinzessin und der Schweinehirt (The Princess and the Swineherd) – by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Heinrich Lefler

This exquisite edition of Andersen’s classic fairy tale The Princess and the Swineherd features the enchanting illustrations of Heinrich Lefler, a master of the Viennese Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) movement. Published by Gesellschaft Fur Vervielfaltigende Kunst, Wien in 1897. Lefler’s artwork brings a sumptuous, theatrical quality to the story, blending ornate decorative elements with elegant character designs. His illustrations capture the tale’s satirical charm—contrasting the princess’s vanity with the swineherd’s cunning—through intricate patterns, stylized flora and fauna, and a rich, almost medieval color palette. The result is a visually striking interpretation that elevates Andersen’s moral fable into a work of art.

A gem of Jugendstil illustration, this Lefler-illustrated edition is a must for admirers of Andersen, Viennese art, and the Golden Age of fairy-tale books.

About the Illustrator
Heinrich Lefler (1863–1919) was an Austrian painter, illustrator, and stage designer, renowned for his contributions to the Wiener Werkstätte and his influence on Viennese Jugendstil. A collaborator with Joseph Urban, Lefler’s work often featured fairy-tale themes, executed with meticulous craftsmanship and a love for decorative detail. His illustrations for Die Prinzessin und der Schweinehirt showcase his ability to merge narrative with ornamental splendor, making him a key figure in early 20th-century European book design.

Recommended for Collectors

• Dornröschen (Sleeping Beauty) illustrated by Lefler – Another fairy-tale classic in his signature style
• Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales (1916) illustrated by Harry Clarke – For a darker, more Gothic take on Andersen
• Hansel and Gretel, illustrated by Kay Nielsen – A fairy tale with Art Nouveau flair

Art Gallery: Heinrich Lefler – Die Prinzessin 1897