Tuvstarr Still Sits and Looks Down into the Water (1913 CE)

The artwork Ännu sitter Tuvstarr kvar och ser ner i vattnet by John Bauer is a haunting and melancholic depiction that captures the essence of Swedish folklore. Painted in 1913, this work has become one of Bauer’s most iconic creations, deeply embedded in Swedish cultural identity.

Central to the painting is the poignant moment where Princess Tuvstarr releases her golden heart into the depths of the forest tarn. This act is a profound symbol of the loss of her identity and purity as she ventures deeper into the wild, guided by the moose Skutt. Throughout her journey, Tuvstarr loses her royal attributes—first her crown, then her white dress, and finally her heart. The heart, a golden necklace, represents her last connection to her former self. By letting it go, Tuvstarr surrenders to the forest’s enchantment, choosing to remain by the tarn in a state of eternal contemplation. This act signifies a complete departure from her previous life, illustrating the transformative and sometimes tragic power of nature and fate.

John Bauer created Ännu sitter Tuvstarr kvar och ser ner i vattnet as an illustration for the story Sagan om älgtjuren Skutt och lilla prinsessan Tuvstarr, written by Helge Kjellin and published in the 1913 edition of the annual book Bland Tomtar och Troll. The story, though significant, has been overshadowed by Bauer’s illustrations, which have taken on a life of their own. Bauer’s work, particularly from the period 1907 to 1915 when he frequently contributed to the series, brought Scandinavian myths and legends to vivid life, with Tuvstarr becoming one of his most enduring subjects.

It is widely believed that Bauer’s wife, Ester Ellqvist, served as the model for Princess Tuvstarr. Ester, who was also an artist, often posed for Bauer, inspiring his portrayals of princesses in several of his works. A particularly interesting anecdote involves a letter from Helge Kjellin to Bauer in 1913, where Kjellin expressed concern about the botanical accuracy of the name Tuvstarr. He considered changing the name to Ängsull but ultimately decided against it, leaving Tuvstarr to resonate with future generations.

Ännu sitter Tuvstarr kvar och ser ner i vattnet is a quintessential representation of the melancholic beauty and profound depth of Nordic folklore. The painting embodies themes of innocence, loss, and the inexorable pull of the natural world. Tuvstarr’s act of letting her heart slip into the dark water is symbolic of a deeper surrender to the unknown forces of nature. This image has become synonymous with Swedish myth, often used in various cultural and commercial contexts, and remains a powerful symbol in the national consciousness.

The painting is an exquisite example of Bauer’s mastery of watercolor, gouache, and ink, measuring 25 x 27 centimeters. Despite its small size, the artwork is rich in detail and emotion. Bauer’s meticulous approach involved starting with small sketches, which he then expanded into more detailed works. This particular piece is known for its delicate balance of light and shadow, capturing the stillness of the moment and the depth of Tuvstarr’s sorrow. The original painting is housed in the Malmö Art Museum, with other versions and related works held at the Jönköping County Museum, which boasts the largest collection of Bauer’s works.