Beloved Danish author (1805–1875) best known for such classic fairy tales as “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Red Shoes,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Handwritten poem entitled “Die Rose,” on an off-white 8.25 x 5 sheet. Andersen pens four lines in German from the poem “Die Rose”. In full:
“What are you dreaming? Your dream knows no pain, Love is your life, your soul fragrance; Your whole blissful like the poet-heart: The sky's see, where Andre can see air."
Signed at the conclusion, “H. C. Anderson, Maxen, August 19, 1851.” Central vertical fold, paper loss to top left corner, small blot to one word of text, and a few creases, otherwise fine condition.
This poem was most likely written for Friederike Serre, a hospitable lady of the manor from Maxen. Her house was a meeting point for German and Scandinavian artists. In August 1851, while visiting with Serre in Germany, Andersen met with German actor Emil Devrient, whom the author greatly admired, to discuss a possible collaboration. As it was Serre who suggested the meeting, it is possible that he gifted his host with this poem. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
