More Than Just Idyllic: The Life and Art of Carl and Karin Larsson
Self Portrait Carl Larsson in the Studio 1912
Early career struggles saw Larsson working as an illustrator and graphic artist, even spending time in Paris where he was influenced by Impressionism. However, it was a return to Sweden, and a fateful meeting with Karin Bergöö, that would transform his life and art.
Karin Larsson's Art in Her Home-Celebrated by Scandinavian Vogue 2024
Karin, an artist in her own right, became Carl's wife and muse. Their shared artistic vision and growing family life in Sundborn, Dalarna, provided the inspiration for the works that would define Larsson's legacy. He began documenting their home, Lilla Hyttnäs, and their eight children with a unique blend of realism and decorative charm.
Karin Larsson: Let the Hand Be Seen exhibit hosted by the American Swedish Institute 2024
Larsson's watercolors, filled with light and vibrant colors, offered a glimpse into a seemingly perfect world. His paintings celebrated the simple joys of family life, from festive gatherings to quiet moments of domesticity. Karin's influence is undeniable, her artistic sensibility evident in the beautiful textiles and thoughtfully designed interiors that characterize their home.
Carl and Karin and Their Growing Family
Carl Larsson's most popular images often depict idyllic scenes of his family life in their home, Lilla Hyttnäs. Here are a few of his most beloved works:
His vast body of work includes numerous other captivating images of his family, home, and the surrounding landscape. His ability to capture the beauty of everyday life, combined with his distinctive artistic style, continues to enchant and inspire audiences worldwide.
Carl Larsson-garden Lilla Hyttnäs in Sundborn
However, Larsson wasn't just a painter of charming domestic scenes. He was a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement, advocating for a harmonious blend of art and functionality in everyday life. This philosophy is embodied in Lilla Hyttnäs, where the Larssons created a Gesamtkunstwerk – a total work of art – extending their artistic vision to every aspect of their home.
Carl Larsson’s Kerstis Birthday 1909
While his idyllic family portraits brought him widespread acclaim, Larsson also yearned for recognition as a serious artist. He produced monumental works, including frescoes for public buildings, culminating in his controversial "Midvinterblot" (Midwinter Sacrifice) for the National Museum in Stockholm. Initially rejected for its stark depiction of a Viking sacrifice, the painting sparked debate and cemented Larsson's position as a significant figure in Swedish art history.
Carl Larsson’s Midwinter Sacrifice 1914
Today, Carl Larsson's work continues to resonate. The family home, Lilla Hyttnäs, is preserved as a museum, allowing visitors to step into his paintings and experience the world he created. His art, though rooted in a specific time and place, transcends its context, speaking to universal themes of home, family, and the beauty of everyday life. But beyond the charming facade, it's crucial to remember the artist's journey – one that began in poverty and culminated in a unique artistic vision that continues to inspire and delight.
Carl Larsson’s Evening Before the Journey to England 1909
Carl Larsson's home life, particularly at Lilla Hyttnäs in Sundborn, was a significant source of inspiration for his art and a key element in understanding his work. Here's a glimpse into their world:
Carl Larsson’s Karin Larsson in The Workroom 1898
A Collaborative Partnership: Carl and Karin were true partners, not just in marriage but also in their creative endeavors. Karin, a talented artist herself, played a crucial role in shaping their home environment. Her artistic sensibility is evident in the distinctive interior design, with its colorful textiles, hand-painted furniture, and carefully curated objects. They shared a vision of a beautiful and functional home, where art and everyday life were intertwined.
Carl Larsson’s Friends From Town 1909
A Lively Household: The Larsson home was filled with the energy and activity of their eight children. Their lives, from mundane moments to festive occasions, became subjects for Carl's paintings. He captured their games, their meals, their interactions, and their individual personalities, creating a vibrant tapestry of family life.
Carl Larsson’s Brita and Me 1895
Creativity and Self-Sufficiency: The Larssons embraced a philosophy of self-sufficiency and craftsmanship. They designed and made much of their furniture and household items, reflecting the values of the Arts and Crafts movement. Their home became a showcase for their creativity, where art wasn't confined to canvases but extended to every aspect of their living space.
Karin Larsson at Her Loom
Connection to Nature: Lilla Hyttnäs was situated in the picturesque countryside of Dalarna, and the natural world played a significant role in their lives. The surrounding landscape, with its forests, gardens, and changing seasons, often featured in Larsson's paintings. They embraced outdoor living, with meals under the birch trees and children playing in the garden.
Carl Larsson Karin Walking the Shore 1908
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity: While their home celebrated traditional Swedish folk art and craftsmanship, the Larssons were also forward-thinking in many ways. They had a relatively egalitarian approach to family life, with both parents actively involved in childcare and household tasks. Their home was a place of warmth and informality, where children were encouraged to express themselves.
Carl Larsson’s Esbjorn Doing His Homework 1912
Challenges and Complexities: While Larsson's paintings often portray an idyllic world, their family life, like any other, had its share of challenges. They experienced financial struggles, and the loss of their infant son, Mats, in 1895, brought deep sorrow. These experiences undoubtedly shaped their perspectives and influenced their art, even if not explicitly depicted.
In essence, Carl Larsson's home life was a rich and dynamic source of inspiration. It was a space where art and life were interwoven, where creativity flourished, and where the joys and challenges of family life were played out against a backdrop of beauty and natural simplicity.
Carl Larsson’s Day Is Done, Good Night! 1908
Carl Larsson's paintings have achieved significant prices at auction, reflecting his enduring popularity and artistic merit. Here's an overview of some notable sales:
Carl Larsson’s Girl Sewing 1898
Record-breaking sale: In 2020, "Syende flicka" (Girl Sewing) sold for 1,207,078 USD at Bukowskis in Stockholm. This watercolor, painted in 1898, depicts one of Larsson's daughters engaged in needlework, bathed in soft light. It exemplifies his ability to capture intimate moments of domestic life with a delicate touch.
Carl Larsson’s Girl Sewing 1898
Record-breaking sale: In 2020, "Syende flicka" (Girl Sewing) sold for 1,207,078 USD at Bukowskis in Stockholm. This watercolor, painted in 1898, depicts one of Larsson's daughters engaged in needlework, bathed in soft light. It exemplifies his ability to capture intimate moments of domestic life with a delicate touch.
Overall, the auction prices of Carl Larsson's paintings demonstrate his enduring appeal and the value placed on his unique artistic vision. His ability to capture the beauty of everyday life, combined with his distinctive style and historical significance, ensures that his works continue to be sought after by collectors worldwide.
Carl Larsson's paintings can be found in several museums, primarily in Sweden but also in collections around the world. Here are some of the most notable institutions where you can find his work:
Carl Larsson's The Garden Window 1894
Sweden:
- National museum (Stockholm): This museum houses a significant collection of Larsson's work, including his monumental frescoes "Gustav Vasa Entering Stockholm" and the controversial "Midvinterblot" (Midwinter Sacrifice). They also hold a large collection of his watercolors and drawings.
- Carl Larsson-gården (Sundborn): Larsson's home, Lilla Hyttnäs, is now a museum where visitors can experience his art in its original context. Many of his most famous paintings are displayed within the house, providing a unique insight into his life and work.
- Thiel Gallery (Stockholm): This museum features a dedicated room showcasing Larsson's watercolors, including scenes from Lilla Hyttnäs and portraits of his family.
- Gothenburg Museum of Art: This museum holds a selection of Larsson's paintings, including landscapes and portraits.
International:
- Ordrupgaard (Copenhagen, Denmark): This museum boasts a collection of Nordic art, including several of Larsson's paintings.
- The British Museum (London, UK): This museum holds a small number of Larsson's works in their Prints and Drawings collection.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, USA): This museum has a few of Larsson's works, including watercolors and illustrations.
Online:
- Google Arts & Culture: This online platform provides access to high-resolution images of many of Larsson's paintings from various museums around the world.
It's worth noting that many smaller museums and private collections also hold works by Carl Larsson. If you're interested in seeing his art in person, it's worth checking the collections of museums in your area or those you plan to visit.
Ultimately, experiencing Larsson's art in person, especially at his home in Sundborn, offers a unique opportunity to connect with his vision and appreciate the beauty and charm of his work.
Some Popular Carl Larsson Paintings
Studio Idyl (1885) artist's wife Karin with their first child, Suzanne
Crayfishing (1898) A Family Celebration
Cosy Corner 1894: This charming image offers a glimpse into the Larsson's living room.
Carl Larsson's Christmas Morning 1894
The Apple Harvest 1901: The family apple picking.
Lisbeth 1895: This portrait of one of the Larsson's daughters captures a tender moment of childhood.
Brita as Iduna 1901: daughter Brita with a basket of apples.
My Acid Workshop 1904 Carl Larsson’s Workshop
These are just a few examples of Larsson's popular works.
