Kay Nielsen: Bear and the Maiden
Kay Nielsen's "The Bear and the Maiden" is a popular illustration from his 1914 book East of the Sun and West of the Moon. It depicts a maiden riding on the back of a white polar bear. The image is a classic representation of a fantastical scene, with the maiden side-saddle on the large bear, set in a snowy, magical landscape.
The illustration features a young woman, often depicted with long flowing hair and a graceful posture, atop a majestic white polar bear. The bear itself is large and powerful, and the scene is typically set against a backdrop of icy mountains and a crescent moon.
The image is inspired by the fairy tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, where a maiden is forced to marry a white bear who transforms into a man at night. The story involves themes of magic, transformation, and the power of love.
Nielsen was known for his rich, dreamlike illustrations, often filled with vibrant colours and fantastical elements. His style is characterised by a blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences, creating a unique and enchanting visual language.
Nice vintage condition with original signs of authentic patina.
Height: 60cm
Length: 35cm
Width: 2cm
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, which lasted from when Daniel Vierge and other pioneers developed printing technology to the point that drawings and paintings could be reproduced with reasonable facility. Nielsen is also known for his collaborations with Disney, for whom he contributed many story sketches and illustrations, not least for Fantasia.
Kay Nielsen was born in Copenhagen into an artistic family; both of his parents were actors - Nielsen's father, Martinus Nielsen, was the director of Dagmarteater and his mother, Oda Nielsen, was one of the most celebrated actresses of her time, both at the Royal Danish Theater and at the Dagmarteater. Kay Nielsen studied art in Paris at Académie Julian and Académie Colarossi from 1904 to 1911, and then lived in England from 1911 to 1916. He received his first English commission from Hodder and Stoughton to illustrate a collection of fairy tales, providing 24 colour plates and more than 15 monotone illustrations for In Powder and Crinoline, Fairy Tales Retold by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch in 1913. In the same year, Nielsen was also commissioned by The Illustrated London News to produce a set of four illustrations to accompany the tales of Charles Perrault; Nielsen's illustrations for 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Puss in Boots', 'Cinderella' and 'Bluebeard' were published in the 1913 Christmas Edition.