Oh, What A Little Pipsqueak! Cried The Troll (1912 CE)
This artwork vividly captures a dramatic moment from Smedberg’s fairy tale The boy who was never afraid, where the fearless boy Nisse confronts a towering troll in its cave.
John Bauer
Illustrations and works by John Bauer, a Swedish artist famous for his enchanting depictions of fairy tales and folklore. His evocative art, rich with forest scenes and mythical creatures, captures the magic of Scandinavian storytelling traditions.
Freja (1917 CE)
With his wife, Esther Ellqvist as the model, the painting exudes a powerful yet intimate depiction of Freja, drawing viewers into the rich tapestry of Norse mythology.
The Boy Who Was Never Afraid (1912 CE)
This iconic artwork depicts a young boy who was never afraid, Nisse, riding a white horse, surrounded by mythical creatures in an enchanted forest.
The Trolls From Domberget Awaiting Strangers (1907 CE)
Curious yet wary, the trolls waited, their hearts heavy with the weight of the unknown. Were these outsiders lost souls seeking shelter, or intruders with darker motives?
Lucia (1913 CE)
Created in 1913 for a Swedish postage stamp, is a captivating illustration that embodies the essence of the Swedish Lucia tradition.
The Sea King’s Queen (1910 CE)
Created for the fairy tale Agneta and the Sea King in the anthology Among gnomes and trolls, this artwork depicts the pivotal moment when the Sea King crowns Agneta as his queen in a shimmering underwater palace.
He Didn’t Rest A Moment Until He Arrived At Dusk (1912 CE)
The tale unfolds in an enchanted, mystical world where nature plays an active role, and Mino’s ride through a dark, starlit forest at night becomes a symbolic journey before he arrived at dusk.
There! He Called, It’s Over There! (1912 CE)
Encountering a mother and her two children, recently evicted from their home, Skulbjörn is moved by their plight. He confronts the landlord responsible, restoring the family’s home.
An Old Troll (1911 CE)
Adorned with a simple crown and thick gold arm rings, the troll is accompanied by three enigmatic ravens, set against a shadowy background that evokes a mystical and suggestive atmosphere.
Sami In Snowstorm (1904-1905 CE)
This artwork vividly captures the rugged beauty of the northern Swedish landscape and the resilience of the Sami people.
The Mountain Gate (1918 CE)
A fascinating anecdote surrounding The mountain gate relates to its connection with the Bergakungen ballet. Bauer was deeply invested in the project, enthusiastically drafting the libretto and creating sketches, including this artwork.
Well, How Is Your Appetite, Continued The Troll Mother (1915 CE)
An illustration from 1915, showing a troll mother confronting a princess, drawn with fine lines and muted colors.