Kay Nielsen: An Enchanted Vision

by Meghan Melvin, Kay Nielsen (Contributor), Jennifer Snodgrass (Editor)

Images of fantasy and fairy tales by a Danish master of illustration

The Danish artist Kay Nielsen's luminous interpretations of fairy tales and legends from around the world are among the most celebrated book illustrations of the 20th century, unsurpassed in their dramatic intensity and intricate detail. This book is the first to put his achievements in the context of a career that took him from studies in Paris to the Copenhagen theater, to galleries in London and New York, to the Walt Disney Studios, presenting fresh insights into his life and work as well as his materials and techniques. Dazzling reproductions of original watercolors and drawings from one of the premier collections of Nielsen's work invite viewers to enter the enchanted world of an imaginative and supremely gifted artist.
Born in Copenhagen and educated in Paris, Kay Nielsen (1886-1957) gained international recognition for his exquisite gift book illustrations, notably his masterpieces East of the Sun and West of the Moon (1914) and Fairy Tales by Hans Andersen (1924). In contrast to some of his contemporaries, Nielsen often focused on the melancholic or dramatic elements of tales, creating memorable visual sequences reflecting themes of love, passion, loss and death. During the last stage of his career, he collaborated with Walt Disney Studios on the landmark animation film Fantasia, and produced several public art commissions.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

167 pages, Hardcover

Published November 2, 2021

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough collection of the splendid artist Kay Nielsen’s work in book illustration, theatre, and other genres. For me, the magic began with East of the Sun, West of the Moon, a book I found in my grandmother’s house with haunting fairy tales and illustrations that opened up a world of magic I didn’t think possible. I have been enchanted ever since, and this book is a way to connect once again with this visionary artist.

[Reading Through the Lists · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting indeed.

How I wish I could get my hands on one of those collector editions or, better yet, see an exhibit of the original paintings.

5 stars.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

So happy to see a revival/rediscovery of his artwork. Many pieces I'd never seen before.

[Nickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about my favourite illustrator. And got to see some incredible closeups and descriptions of how he created these beloved works of art. If you don't know Kay Nielsen, you should.

[slauderdale]

An excellent book, but super overdue when I returned it. I did manage to write down some notes, which I replicate here so that I can go back to them (since I won't be keeping that random slip of paper forever...)

Karl Lagerfield fashions, Fendi
Edmund Dulac
Heinrich Heine
Felicien Rops
En Helis Bore
Knight Olaf
Lucien Simon
“Aage and Elsa” poem
“Elverskud”
Cayley Robinson
Edmund Joseph Sullivan
The Book of Death
Hans Holbein
In Powder and Crinoline
Fairy Tales by Hans Andersen
Pierrot
“He and She and That”
“Old Tales from the North”
BrudeKrone
“Agnete and the Merman”
“Afternoon of a Faun”
Joan of Arc series
Red Magic
They Drew as They Pleased (Ghez)
Before the Animation Begins (Canemaker)
Swan of Tuonela - Sibelius

[Silver Vixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificently marvelous!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous.