Beschreibung:

A b/w visiting card photograph of the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) with his authentic signature and dedication adressing the royal Danish danseur soliste Harald Anton Scharff (1836–1912). Also two lines of verse: 'Efter Krykke-Dagene kommer Lykke-Dagene' [After the crutch days come the happy days'). By Andersen dated February 20, 1872. 11×6.7 cm. Furthermore a smaller b/w photograph also of the author, by Theodor Collin (1815–1902). Taken 1862; probably contemporary exposure. 9.6×6.3 cm. (2). A historically interesting visiting card photograph. From 1857 and until Hans Christian Andersen's death in 1875 the Danish danseur soliste is repeatedly mentioned in the diaries of the author. On February 17, quite suggestive, Andersen wrote the following passage: 'Theodor [Collin] put me in a very bad mood by emphasising how strongly I showed my love for S[charff], that it was noticed ...' . The date on the lower back of the photograph - November 9, 1871 - refers to the day when Harald Scharff damaged one of his knees. This happened during his performance of 'Trubaduren' (The Troubadour), a stroke of bad luck which ended his career as a ballet dancer. The creator of the portait was Thora Hallager (1821–1884), one of the earliest Danish female photographers. Apart from that she was - important in the given connection - Hans Christian Andersen's landlady for two periods, initially from 1866–1869 (Lille Kongensgade 1, Copenhagen), later, from 1871–1873, in Nyhavn 18, Copenhagen. A Thora Hallager photograph of the author from 1869 was chosen to adorn the Danish jubilee stamp in 2005. Provenance: Royal Danish danseur soliste Harald Anton Scharff (1836–1912). Condition Signs of handling, especially on the edges. Have yellowed slightly. Backs with a few small stains.
Condition