Perhaps this should be subtitled <i>'A superfluity of delicacies'</i> or simply, <i>Too many ladies</i>. :lol:

Illustration for Hans Christian Andersen's <i>The Swineherd</i>
Pen & ink and watercolour, 2004

Originally conceived as an entry for Bologna Book Fair's competition to celebrate the bicentenary of Andersen's birth, this was, typically of me, not finished in time to make the competition deadline. However, I did manage to finish the illustration for myself afterwards.

The piece is actually a little too big for my A3 scanner, so a little of the top and bottom of it had to be omitted. Imagine a little more of the pigs and more of the foliage, if you will. Nothing terribly crucial, fortunately.
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Those familiar with the tale will recall the price the disguised prince demands of the princess, and her ladies in waiting being then obliged to stand around to shield the offending sight of her highness bestowing kisses upon a swineherd...

<i>The swineherd - that is to say, the Prince - ... at last constructed a rattle, which, when it was swung round, played all the waltzes and jigs which have ever been heard...

'Ah, that is superbe!' said the Princess... 'Go and ask him the price of the instrument...'

'He will have a hundred kisses from the Princess!'...</i>
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<b>*Thank you to everyone in advance!</b>