Lucia (1913 CE)

John Bauer’s Lucia, created in 1913 for a Swedish postage stamp, is a captivating illustration that embodies the essence of the Swedish Lucia tradition. Depicting a young woman adorned in a glowing crown of candles, the artwork symbolizes light and hope amidst the darkness of winter. This iconic representation, rooted in both Christian and pre-Christian traditions, draws viewers into the rich cultural heritage of Sweden, offering a glimpse into Bauer’s romantic and folkloric artistic vision.

John Bauer, a renowned Swedish illustrator, created “Lucia” as part of a series for Swedish postage stamps in 1913. Known for his romantic and nationalist illustrations inspired by Swedish folklore and mythology, Bauer captured the Lucia tradition’s core theme of light triumphing over darkness. The tradition itself traces back to Saint Lucia of Syracuse, a Christian martyr who died in 304 CE, and pre-Christian Nordic customs tied to the winter solstice. In the Julian calendar, used in Sweden until 1753, December 13 marked the solstice, considered the longest night, filled with supernatural lore and hope for light’s return. The modern Lucia tradition, with its processions and songs, began to take shape in the early 20th century, with the first official Lucia procession held in Stockholm in 1927, sponsored by Svenska Dagbladet.

Bauer’s wife, Ester Ellqvist, often served as a model for his works, and it’s plausible she inspired the delicate, ethereal figure of Lucia. The illustration’s use on a postage stamp underscores its widespread recognition, as it was designed to reach countless households, embedding Lucia’s image into the national consciousness.

Bauer’s Lucia holds a significant place in Swedish cultural and artistic heritage, encapsulating the Lucia tradition’s role as a beacon of light during the darkest time of the year. The artwork reflects Bauer’s signature style, blending romanticism with folkloric elements, and aligns with the early 20th-century nationalist movement that celebrated Swedish traditions. The Lucia tradition itself, celebrated on December 13, marks the start of the Christmas season, symbolizing hope, community, and resilience. The procession, led by a young woman as Lucia, accompanied by handmaidens, star boys, and other figures, is a ritual of unity, with songs like “Sankta Lucia” and traditional foods such as saffron buns (lussekatter) and gingerbread cookies fostering a sense of shared heritage. 

The Lucia illustration, designed for a postage stamp, is a compact yet detailed work, created using watercolor or ink, techniques Bauer frequently employed in his illustrations. While exact dimensions of the original artwork are not widely documented, postage stamp illustrations typically measure approximately 3–5 cm by 2–4 cm (1.2–2 inches by 0.8–1.6 inches) to accommodate the stamp’s small format. The image features Lucia, her head adorned with a candlelit crown, rendered in Bauer’s characteristic soft, luminous style. The use of light and shadow emphasizes the theme of illumination, with delicate lines and a muted color palette evoking a serene, almost mystical atmosphere.

Created for a Swedish postage stamp in 1913, Bauer’s “Lucia” was intended for mass distribution, making it accessible to the public through postal services.