Freja (1917 CE)

John Bauer’s Freja is an oil painting that vividly portrays the Norse goddess Freyja, a figure synonymous with love, beauty, and war. This evocative artwork, created for the aula of Karlskrona school for girls, showcases Bauer’s signature romantic and mythological style, blending sensuality with Nordic mysticism. With his wife, Esther Ellqvist as the model, the painting exudes a powerful yet intimate depiction of Freyja, drawing viewers into the rich tapestry of Norse mythology.

John Bauer, a celebrated Swedish artist, is renowned for his illustrations in Among gnomes and trolls, a collection of Swedish folklore and fairy tales. His work is deeply rooted in Nordic mythology and romantic nationalism, influenced by his studies at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in Stockholm. The Freja painting, completed in 1917, was commissioned for the Karlskrona school for girls and represents one of Bauer’s final major works before his tragic death in a boating accident in 1918. The painting uses Esther Ellqvist as the model, embodying Freyja’s allure and strength. 

A charming anecdote surrounds the 1917 Freja painting: Bauer’s friends playfully dubbed it the “breast portrait of Mrs. Bauer” due to its bold and sensual depiction of Esther Ellqvist as Freyja. This lighthearted nickname reflects the painting’s striking and somewhat provocative portrayal, which was notable for its time. Additionally, Bauer’s decision to move away from his well-known fairy-tale illustrations toward more ambitious mythological works, like Freja, highlights his desire to explore new artistic expressions in the later years of his career.

The painting Freja holds significant cultural and artistic value as a representation of Norse mythology’s central goddess, Freyja, who embodies love, fertility, beauty, war, and magic (seiðr). Bauer’s portrayal captures her dual nature—both nurturing and fierce—reflecting her role as a Vanir goddess who receives half of the fallen warriors in her hall, Fólkvangr, alongside Odin’s Valhalla. The work aligns with the romantic nationalism of early 20th-century Sweden, which sought to revive and celebrate Nordic heritage. By using his wife as the model, Bauer infuses the painting with personal intimacy, blending mythological grandeur with human warmth. The painting’s placement in a school auditorium underscores its role as an educational and inspirational piece, connecting students to their cultural roots.

Freja is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 80 cm (31.4 inches) in height and 155 cm (61 inches) in width. Bauer’s use of oil allows for rich, vibrant colors and nuanced textures, enhancing the ethereal and sensual quality of Freyja’s depiction. His style draws on romantic and Art Nouveau influences, with flowing lines and a dreamlike atmosphere that evoke the mystical essence of Nordic folklore. The large dimensions of the canvas make it a commanding presence.

The Freja painting was created specifically for the aula of the Karlskrona flickläroverk, a girls’ school in Karlskrona, Sweden, in 1917. While its exact current location remains unconfirmed, it is likely housed in a private collection after an auction in 2007.