Jack

“The Steadfast Tin Soldier” (Danish: Den standhaftige tinsoldat) is a literary fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about a tin soldier‘s love for a paper ballerina. After several adventures, the tin soldier perishes in a fire with the ballerina. The tale was first published in Copenhagen by C.A. Reitzel on 2 October 1838 in the first booklet of Fairy Tales Told for Children. New Collection. The booklet consists of Andersen’s “The Daisy” and “The Wild Swans“. The tale was Andersen’s first not based upon a folk tale or a literary model. “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” has been adapted to various media including ballet and animated film.

This illustration shows the confrontation between the Goblin (or Jack-in-the-box) and the Tin Soldier.  The antagonist is also in love with the paper ballerina and will not allow the tin soldier to approach her. It is the Jack-in-the-box that creates the wind that blows him out the window and into the gutter, thus sending the tin soldier on his many adventures.  The original painting belongs to a private owner.

Watercolor on Windsor Newton cold press (signed and numbered prints available)