Outstanding Picture Book by Hans Christian Andersen

Dreaming, fantasizing and imaginative – Hans Christian Andersen's creativity was unmatched and his imagination was constantly at work. We can soon present one of the finest examples of his unique creativity in the shape of an almost 200-page-long picture book filled to the brim with verses and paper cuttings from the master's hand.

Hans Christian Andersen: Den lille Maries Billedbog (The Little Marie's Picture Book). Made by H.C. Andersen. Estimate: DKK 1,000,000-1,500,000.

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Watch our book specialist Lærke Bøgh examine Hans Christian Andersen's picture book here

 

In the fall of 1868, Hans Christian Andersen spent several months in seclusion, during which he eagerly wrote, cut and pasted. The result was a stunningly illustrated, fantastical 184-page travel book, which he gave to the little girl Marie Henriques (1866-1944) on her 3rd birthday in 1869.

The picture book can in all seriousness be called a true treasure. It only exists in one original copy and is a magnificent example of Hans Christian Andersen's huge and unique storytelling talent – both with a pen and with scissors. We know he made several picture books for his friends' children, but Marie Henriques' picture book is one of the very last, and perhaps one of the finest, he made, since little Marie was his favourite among all the children. 

 

"My Dearest Marie"

Marie was the daughter of the stockbroker couple Martin and Therese Henriques, whose home was frequented by many Danish and international artists and musicians such as Niels W. Gade, I.P.E. Hartmann, Edvard Grieg, August Bournonville and more. Marie was the family's adorable straggler, and she was so dear to Andersen's heart that he for several years called her his "dearest".

The story, which Andersen wrote, is about little Marie’s journey out into the world with her strict nanny Sidse. With more than 175 smaller verses, comments and a host of colourful illustrations Andersen created a spectacular visual universe where imagination and emotions are set in motion, enriched even further by small and fun passages with life lessons and many references to both Andersen himself, the many contemporary beaux esprits he surrounded himself with and not least his own famous fairy tales and poems.

 

Famous Picture Books

During the latter part of his life between 1850-1870, Hans Christian Andersen created several famous picture books, including Christine and Astrid Stampe's picture books, which he made with his good friend Adolph Drewsen. Today, 19 different books are known to exist. Andersen made nine of these himself and the rest in collaboration with people such as Drewsen and Mathilde Ørsted. Marie Henriques' picture book is among the nine that Andersen made on his own, and it was never published. The book has never been offered for sale and is the last remaining picture book of its kind in private ownership.

Auction: Tuesday, 30 May at 4 pm in Bredgade 33, Copenhagen

Preview: 24-29 May at the same address

 

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For further information, please contact:

Lærke Bøgh: +45 8818 1217 · lb@bruun-rasmussen.dk