Carl Larsson, Crayfishing, and Martina

Carl Larsson (1853-1919) was a Swedish artist, noted for portrayals of his family. He was born in Stockholm and studied art, first working as a book and magazine illustrator.

In 1877 he traveled to Paris and moved there in 1882 to join the Scandinavian artists’ colony outside Paris, where he met Karin Bergoo – who became his wife in 1883. Here he abandonned oil and experimented in water colours, which proved to be the basis of his success. It was here that he painted some of his most significant works.

The couple had eight children – and his family became his models. In 1888 Karin’s father gave them a small house in Sundborn, so they moved back to Sweden.

I like his work for the details in each piece – there is always much to see, especially in scenes where several members of the family are involved. I found a jigsaw puzzle of one of his paintings, called Crayfishing (circa 1895) – photographed here. I also like his painting of Martina (but it’s not me), called Martina with the Breakfast Tray.

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