Kay Rasmus Nielsen ( 1886 – 1957) was a Danish illustrator who was popular in the early 20th century, and is also known for his collaborations with Disney for whom he contributed many story sketches and illustrations, not least for Fantasia.

This stunning art book East of the Sun and West of the Moon showcases his beautiful watercolor illustrations for a celebrated collection of fifteen fairy tales, gathered by legendary Norwegian folklorists Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Engebretsen Moe on their journeys across Norway in the mid-nineteenth century. Nielsen’s illustration edition of Asbjørnsen and Moe’s tales is considered a jewel of early 20th-century children’s literature, highly sought-after by art and book collectors worldwide. An original signed copy of the book sold at auction in 2008 commanded the highest price ever paid for an illustrated children’s book.

I only very recently discovered Kay Nielsen’s work, but I was immediately struck by the elegance of his aesthetic style that at times remind me of yet another renowned fairy-tale artist, the amazing Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin. Both individuals seemed to be influenced by the Superflat style of work, like those by the Japanese Ukiyo-e master Hokusai.

I am very delighted indeed to have discovered Kay Nielsen mesmerizing art, late as I am. This sturdy hardcover volume by Taschen is exactly what I wanted, featuring 46 illustrations including many enlarged details from Nielsen’s rare original watercolors. The reproductions are crisp and printed on thick, high quality paper that gives a really satisfying touch when flipping through the pages. This gets my highest recommendation.

“Kay Nielsen : East of the Sun and West of the Moon” details :

– Dimensions – 9.06 x 11.02 x 0.43 inches
– Hardcover, 167 pages
– Full color

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