After purchasing a box of Christmas cards printed with copies of Swedish Painter and Artist, Carl Larsson's paintings I wanted to do a bit of research on him. I am fascinated by his paintings and his biography. Follow beneath the picture to read about him. It's a brief bio and won't take to much of your time. :)
Carl Larsson is well-known far outside his home country's borders and is rightly regarded as Sweden's national painter.
Today we know that the evocative images were created by a grieving man in perpetual conflict with himself. For since his childhood in Stockholm's poor working-class neighbourhoods Carl Larsson fought to get rid of the rotten environment and find happiness.
He partially reached his goal. For his time Carl Larsson was, from the outsider's point of view a symbol of the ideal family man who lovingly portrayed his wife and children at their home in Sundborn.
But this was a glossy image he created of himself. Although, his surroundings as an adult radiated happiness his inner self was marked for life by a series of unfortunate events. Childhood desolation, little brother's premature death and his girlfriend's death during the birth of his first child was painful memories, which at times made him torn, depressed and touchy.
Carl Larsson gained recognition by displaying life when it is most beautiful. And not until the autobiography "Jag", which appeared 12 years after his death, he made up the myth of his uncomplicated existence. This helped to understand the greatness and depth of his art: Only he, who knows the shady side, can see and show the sunny so convincingly.
Carl Larsson is perhaps of all Scandinavian artists the one who enjoy the greatest reputation in the world. From all sides there are bids for his art, when one of the works occasionally comes under the hammer at one of the recognized auctions such as Sotheby's or Christie's London.
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I like his cards-I hope that I receive one-ha ha-he reminds me of Mary Cassat-how did you find these?
ReplyDeleteOh, we DO love our Carl here in Sweden! :-)
ReplyDeleteenjoyed it Krisitie, interesting
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful, I love the one of all the snow with the sleds on the hill. How interesting that he had such a tortured existence yet chose to paint such peaceful, happy times!
ReplyDeleteThose are wonderful, I enjoy paintings and things like this :)) Really precious scenes, bring a lot of warmth into Christmas. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great new week doll! And keep warm :) xox
ReplyDeleteLa Femme Nouvelle
These are absolutely beautiful cards!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this - I had heard of Larsson but knew nothing of him or his works. I just love the gentle freshness of his painting. The girl in the red dress is gorgeous and I love the first painting although I wonder what the letter says.
ReplyDeleteI want to find out more about Larsson now ...
Have a great week from a very wet and flooded Somerset ... M xx
Do you know - I remember his work from when I was little - guess he is from 'next door'. But I never knew all this about him, so thanks Kris - glad to hear it's warmer where you are - I am constantly cold - ha ha - BRR,
ReplyDeleteAxx
Kris,
ReplyDeleteThe one with the girl playing the piano made me smile. I used to take piano lessons, and oh, how I wish I kept with it. The little girl with the red dress and the apples is so sweet. I really like his paintings, and they will be wonderful Christmas cards. I LOVE LOVE the first one where she is at her desk/hutch reading. It reminds me that we should send more hand written cards to eachother.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
Kris,
ReplyDeleteWhoever is the lucky recipient of one of your Christmas cards will have something that he or she could put in a small frame! I still love the tradition of sending Christmas cards in the mail (and receiving them as well!)