NEBA’s second Field Trip took place on December 2, 2019, and it was wonderful treat. Marie Canaves, Susan Leavy, and Stephanie Stigliano met at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to see Kay Nielsen’s Enchanted Visions: The Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection (July 20, 2019–January 20, 2020). This was a show of some 50, rarely seen illustrations by Danish artist, Kay Nielsen.
According to the MFA’s website:
Luminous and often haunting, Kay Nielsen’s interpretations of classic fairy tales are among the most celebrated book illustrations of the 20th century. Showcasing more than 45 dramatic watercolors, drawings, and illustrated books from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection, “Kay Nielsen’s Enchanted Vision” celebrates the Danish artist’s significant achievements in illustration while highlighting some of his work in theater design and animation.
Born in Copenhagen and educated in Paris, Nielsen (1886–1957) gained international recognition for his exquisite gift book illustrations, notably his masterpiece East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Old Tales from the North (1914), a collection of Norwegian fairy tales. In contrast to some of his contemporaries, Kay (pronounced kigh) Nielsen often focused on the melancholic or dramatic elements of tales, creating memorable visual sequences reflecting themes of love, passion, loss, and death.
MFA exhibition information
Kay Nielsen (Danish, 1886–1957), Illustration from Hansel and Gretel and Other Stories by the Brothers Grimm (published 1925), 1924. Transparent and opaque watercolor, pen and ink over graphite. Promised gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Image source
As we viewed Nielsen’s illustrations, we were absorbed not only by – but into – his work and its often dark, brooding moodiness. He made use of a broad palette ranging from austere black and white to deeply saturated, gem-like hues. Elegance of line and sinuous forms – so characteristic of Art Nouveau– are taken to new heights in the hands of this Danish master. And his use of them – along with the meticulous attention he lavished on the minutest of detail – parallel the Persian miniatures to which Nielsen was so deeply drawn.
Japanese wood-block prints with their flat areas of color, rhythmic pattern, and oblique perspective also influenced Nielsen as did the theater, a world in which he had always been deeply involved. It was especially interesting to see his compositions – often designed like stage sets – which mirrored the sense of theatricality in his own costume and stage set designs for ballet and theater. They prefigured the work of American illustrator, costume, and stage set designer, and writer Edward Gorey.
As if this feast for the eyes weren’t enough, on view was a gorgeous gown as well as an evening bag designed by Karl Lagerfeld to celebrate Fendi’s 90th anniversary (Fall/Winter 2016 Legends and Fairy Tales). The gown was one of a collection of 46 that were inspired by Nielsen’s East of the Sun and West of the Moon, a most unexpected and delightful and addition to the show.We were very lucky to have the show’s brilliant curator, Meghan Melvin, Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Curator of Design, regale us with an hour-long tour of the show, pointing out fascinating aspects of Nielsen’s work and providing us with an inside-look into the curating process.
Fendi gown, Designed by Karl Lagerfeld (Image source) – Video of fashion show begins at 9:09
Fendi bag, Designed by Karl Lagerfeld (Image source)
Kay Nielsen, Young Woman Embracing a Thorn Bush, c1910. Pen and brush and ink, transparent and opaque watercolor, over graphite. Promised gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Image source)
Entering Nielsen’s magical world was a memorable experience made even more gratifying when we learned that this magnificent collection of illustrations has been generously promised by collectors Kendra and Allan Daniel to the MFA. Our heartfelt thanks go to Meghan Melvin for a most illuminating tour of the collection and our hearty congratulations to the Museum of Fine Arts for this marvelous show.
