-
You'd best go down to the gardener
Nielsen, Kay, born 1886 - died 1957 - Enlarge image
You'd best go down to the gardener
- Object:
Book illustration
- Date:
1916 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Nielsen, Kay, born 1886 - died 1957 (illustrator)
- Materials and Techniques:
Pen and ink on paper
- Credit Line:
Gift of Mr A. E. Anderson
- Museum number:
E.508-1916
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level F, case EDUC, shelf 1
The Widow's Son is a traditional Norse tale and an appropriate choice for Danish-born Kay Nielsen to illustrate. Nielsen's Scandinavian roots inspired him to become an illustrator. As a child he drew Viking sagas as they were read aloud to him. He was also influenced by Swedish fairytale artist John Bauer and later became known for his own fairytale illustrations, published as limited edition gift-books by Hodder and Stoughton from 1913.
This image also shows elements of Art Nouveau. Nielsen studied in Paris at a time when Art Nouveau was still influential. He combined the Art Nouveau style with patterns inspired by Japanese art, also in vogue at the time.
