Crayfishing (1895 CE)

Kräftfångst or (Crayfishing), a celebrated watercolor by Carl Larsson, captures the serene beauty of a Swedish summer tradition. The painting centers on Lisbeth, Larsson’s daughter, who is depicted fishing for crayfish by a tranquil lakeside. Rendered in soft greens, blues, and earthy tones, with Larsson’s characteristic Jugendstil-inspired lines, the work exudes nostalgic charm, inviting viewers into an idyllic portrayal of family life and nature, emblematic of Swedish cultural heritage.

Created in 1895, Kräftfångst is part of Carl Larsson’s renowned series Ett hem (A Home), a collection of 26 watercolors published in 1899. The series chronicles the daily life of Larsson’s family at their home, Lilla Hyttnäs, in Dalarna, Sweden. The painting reflects the late 19th-century Swedish context, where crayfishing was a regulated seasonal activity, symbolizing both community and environmental stewardship. At the time, crayfish populations faced threats from overfishing, acidification, and crayfish plague. Lisbeth, Larsson’s fourth child, is the focal figure, embodying the personal and familial themes central to Larsson’s work, with the artist drawing inspiration from his wife Karin and their eight children. Kräftfångst is deeply personal, featuring Lisbeth, Carl Larsson’s daughter, in a scene inspired by the family’s summers in Sundborn. The setting reflects the creative haven of Lilla Hyttnäs, where the Larssons cultivated an idealized family life.

The painting occupies a prominent place in Swedish cultural heritage, embodying the national romanticism and Arts and Crafts movements of the late 19th century. By portraying Lisbeth engaged in crayfishing, the painting elevates the crayfish supper (kräftskiva), a tradition gaining traction during Larsson’s era, into a symbol of Swedish identity, intertwining family, nature, and seasonal rituals. The work’s focus on Lisbeth’s quiet concentration idealizes rural simplicity, aligning with Jugendstil’s emphasis on organic forms and craftsmanship. It also subtly addresses environmental conservation, as crayfishing was regulated to protect native species. As part of Ett hem, Kräftfångst has influenced Swedish design and cultural identity, reinforcing the concept of the “typically Swedish” lifestyle.

Kräftfångst is a watercolor on paper, glazed for preservation, showcasing Larsson’s mastery of luminous, delicate hues. The painting measures 32 x 43 cm (12.6 x 16.9 inches). Larsson’s technique features fine, playful brushstrokes and sinuous lines, characteristic of Jugendstil, with a grainy texture in some reproductions that enhances its tactile quality. The composition centers on Lisbeth, with a boat and water in the background as well as the rest of the family, using soft greens, blues, and earthy tones to evoke a harmonious lakeside feeling. 

The original Kräftfångst is held by the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden, a leading repository for Carl Larsson’s works, including several pieces from the Ett hem series.