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.

Kay 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).

Hans Christian Andersen (1805 – 1875), in Denmark usually called H.C. Andersen, was a Danish author. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, he is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen’s popularity is not limited to children; his stories express themes that transcend age and nationality.

Presenting the illustrations by Kay Nielsen for Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales. The images are scanned from the Limited Edition book published by Hodder & Stoughton, 1924. The new scanner I just acquired produces more accurate colors and also more details, the best yet.

I’ve also scanned all the B/W illustrations, which I have not done previously. Cheers !!

Art Gallery: Kay Nielsen – Fairy Tales by Hans Andersen 1924