Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen (1874) in his study in Nyhavn 18, Copenhagen.

During several periods of his life, Andersen lived in Nyhavn, close to The Royal Theatre in Copenhagen. Here he also spent his final years – on the first floor at Nyhavn 18. On May 21 1874 photographer Weller from ‘Hansen, Schou & Weller’ visited Andersen: The poet had his picture taken in the living room for the first and last time. He sat (as he called it) and was asked to assume postures for two and a half hours – each photo required half an hour to set up. Andersen wrote in his diary:

’The photographer arrived at 1 0’clock, I sat until 3.30. The weather was dark; the light in the room insufficient; Weller took five photos using the interior as setting. The first attempt was unsuccessful but he was pleased with the rest…’