Carl Larsson

The auction work "En unge" subtly captures the essence of what has become synonymous with Carl Larsson's artistry: the Swedish home environment, childhood, and the intimate moments of family life. Given as a personal gift to the bookseller C.A. Strandman, the work is not only an artistic expression but also a document of Larsson's close relationships and the professional network that was crucial to his success.

In "En unge", we see a small girl, light-haired and barefoot, sitting on a chair in the Anteroom at Lilla Hyttnäs, Larsson's home in Sundborn. The simple yet powerful composition, with its warm colour palette and clean lines, conveys a sense of both calm and presence. Behind the young girl, the pink walls with their green mouldings are visible, a detail that immediately evokes Karin Larsson's interior design style. On the floor lies the blue-and-white striped rag rug, and the white-painted Bellman chair with its characteristic blue checkered upholstery adds to the sense of stylistic harmony that permeated Larsson's home.

The watercolour is dedicated with a personal note: "This simple sketch is made to write a warm Thank You! to C.A. Strandman! friend." This attests to the close friendship between Larsson and Strandman, who, through his bookstore Fritzes, was an important mediator of Larsson's art. Fritzes was a channel through which Larsson reached an audience that appreciated his intimate depictions of childhood and family life.

Despite his work on the monumental piece Midvinterblot for the Nationalmuseum, Larsson often found time for the more intimate watercolours, such as "En unge." This work exemplifies his ability to transform the everyday and private into something larger and more universal. With its soft colours and simple composition, Larsson creates a timeless image of the innocent moments of childhood—a portrayal that continues to touch and fascinate.

"En unge" is not only an illustration of a moment from Larsson's family life but also an example of his place in Swedish art history. Through his interior paintings and watercolours, he was a central figure in the movement Swedish Home, where he created an idealised image of the Swedish home—a place where nature, warmth, and togetherness were in focus. This watercolour reflects this vision, where the simple and everyday acquires a special, timeless beauty.