Carl Larsson was born on May 28, 1853, in Stockholm and grew up in impoverished conditions. His artistic talent was recognized early on, and a teacher enabled him to study at the Royal Academy of Arts in Stockholm. After initial successes as a book illustrator, he won a medal in 1877 for a painting, which allowed him his first trip to Paris. There, he joined the Swedish artists' colony in Grez-sur-Loing, where he also met his future wife Karin—a painter with whom he had a total of seven children.
After returning to Sweden, the family received a small house in Sundborn in the Dalarna region as a gift from Karin's father in 1888. This house—lovingly renovated and individually designed—became the center of their family life and later the origin of Larsson's most famous work. In numerous watercolors, drawings, and oil paintings, he captured everyday scenes: life with the children, the loving furnishings, the interplay of nature and home. These works became the epitome of an idealized, rural family lifestyle, which is still considered typically "Swedish" today.
His works are characterized by a bright, cheerful color palette, harmonious composition, and an intimate atmosphere. They convey an idyllic image of Swedish family life that became known far beyond Sweden's borders. Larsson is considered the founder of the typical "Swedish living style," marked by clear lines, bright colors, and loving details. His illustrations and books, especially Ett hem ("A Home"), influenced generations of artists, architects, and interior designers.
Even during his lifetime, Larsson celebrated great successes—not only in Sweden but also in Germany, where his exhibitions in Berlin and Munich were highly appreciated. To this day, his home in Sundborn is a popular museum that attracts many visitors annually. Carl Larsson passed away on January 22, 1919—but his works live on as a symbol of a creative, nature-connected, and loving family life.
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