Carl Larsson, Flowers on the Windowsill

  As life turns to Spring, today I present this attractive and sweet image.  The title is: Flowers on the Windowsill.   It is a watercolor on paper created in 1894 by Swedish artist, Carl Larsson (1853-1919).
   Several different art labels have been attached to Larsson's work, one of which is genre, which in this case refers to images of the everyday. This work is typical of  Larsson's most popular paintings featuring an idyllic family life in his own home.
  Here we are able to watch his daughter watering the plants on the windowsill.  The room is bright but there is no hint of a light source,  no shadows.   Maybe it is a window facing north, or the sun has moved away.  It must be warm, as one window is open. 
   The composition is interesting.  The color harmony is complementary: blue and orange/red. Directly in the center foreground is a table with two chairs, but it doesn't stop our eye, rather it directs it to the girl at the window.   Notice the pops of black:  the left pillow, the two frames, on the girls costume, and back to the knitting and yarn on the table.  In some respects this painting is almost symmetrical with an object on the right balanced by a similar object on the left, with the center of attention reasonably centered. 
  Carl Larsson was a popular artist during his life.  Once the technology for reproducing color was developed, Larsson's paintings were made into books and prints and widely sold.  The original of this painting is part of the permanent collection of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm.

Comments

  1. charguthApril 30, 2020 at 7:56 AM

    This is one of my favorite artists. I love the busy atmospheres, with the soft colors and engaging scenes. He manages to include so much and also have a pleasing composition. Is the kings chair in the center, with the crown upholstery, a masculine touch to an otherwise feminine painting?? This is both delicate and strong.. I still have his print "Karen On the Shore" in my bedroom. You framed it for the art center to sell, years back!! Love it.

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