A Woman in a Swan Sleigh

This hand painted inkstand depicts with detail a young woman riding in a swan sleigh. A periwinkle eyed beauty with rosy cheeks wears a green bonnet and a light blue cape trimmed in fur. She protects her hands in a cylinder muff. She rides in a sleigh in the form of a giant swan.

It is possible this inkstand depicts the character Gerda from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen”. The Snow Queen, a powerful and icy figure, kidnaps a young boy named Kai and takes him to her palace at the North Pole. Kai’s friend, Gerda, embarks on a perilous journey to rescue him. She faces various challenges, including encountering magical creatures and overcoming obstacles. Along the way, Gerda encounters a Swan who helps her. The Swan pulls Gerda’s sled through the snowy landscape, guiding her toward the Snow Queen’s palace. Gerda’s unwavering love and determination eventually thaw Kai’s frozen heart, breaking the Snow Queen’s spell.