The Steadfast Tin Soldier

“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 double page spread illustration is of the other dolls and toys that surround the soldier.  The goblin, represented by the jack in the box, at the lower left is the antagonist of the tale.  This is one of three illustrations for this book available on this site.

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