Kay Rasmus Nielsen (1886 – 1957) was a Danish illustrator who was popular in the early 20th century, during the “golden age of illustration.” He joined the ranks of Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulac in enjoying the success of the Gift Books of the early 20th century. Nielsen is also known for his collaborations with Disney for whom he contributed many sketches and illustrations.
See part 1 - Introduction for full biographical notes on Kay Nielsen. See parts 2 - 5 also for earlier works.
This is part 6 of a 6–part post on the works of Kay Nielsen:
1930 Red Magic:
“Red Magic” was the final title to be illustrated
comprehensively by Nielsen. The 1930 version of “Red Magic” included 8 colour
illustrations and more than 50 monotone ones.
(I do not have copies of all the illustrations).
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| And the Demons Disappeared |
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| Beautiful Hind, Be Not Afraid |
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| Dear Mr. Bruin! Tired and Wet, a Perfect Ruin! |
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| Give Me My Barleybread in Peace and Security |
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| He Brandished his Sword Three Times |
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| Her Charm and Beauty had Penetrated his Heart |
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| I See the Star |
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| If a Man, who must not, Kills a She-Bear, He will Die |
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| Kits Ahoy! I'm a Sailor Cat Today! |
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| Crystal Ball |
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| Saint George and the Dragon |
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| She was Forced to Produce the Key |
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| The Heavens Seemed to be on Fire |
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| The Six Swans |
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| The Stargazer Looked and Looked |
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| The Three Bears |
1940 Fantasia:
In 1939 Nielsen left for California and
worked for Hollywood companies. A personal recommendation from Joe Grant to
Walt Disney secured Nielsen a job with The Walt Disney Company, where his work
was used on “Fantasia” in the “Ave Maria” and “Night on the Bald Mountain”
sequences.
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Night on the Bald Mountain |
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| Ave Maria |
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| Ave Maria |
1939-40s The Little Mermaid:
Nielsen was renowned at the Disney studio
for his concept art and he contributed artwork for many Disney films, including
concept paintings for a proposed adaptation of fellow Dane, Hans Christian
Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” The film however was not made within Nielsen’s
lifetime and his work went unused. The film finally went into production in
1989.
Nielsen briefly returned to Denmark in
desperation. However, he found his works no longer in demand there either. His
final years were spent in poverty. His last works fro schools and churches,
including “The First Spring” mural installed at Central Junior High School, Los
Angeles, and a painting illustrating the 23rd Psalm at the Wong
Chapel, First Congregational Church, Los Angeles.
He died in 1957 aged 71 and his funeral
service was held at the Wong Chapel. His wife Ulla died the following year.
