The Swan, No. 1 (1915 CE)
The swan, a painting that feels perfectly symmetrical yet vibrating with tension, like the moment before reconciliation or transcendence.
20th Century
Objects from the 20th century, a time of rapid change, global conflict, and modern innovation.
Jason and Medea (1907 CE)
This evocative artwork captures a pivotal moment between the hero Jason and the sorceress Medea.
Baba Yaga (1900 CE)
This piece not only illustrates a specific scene from the folktale Vasilisa the Beautiful but also immortalizes Baba Yaga as a symbol of the wild, ambiguous forces in Slavic mythology, arousing curiosity about her origins in oral traditions that predate written records by centuries.
Leshy Figurine (Early 20th Century CE)
In Eastern European folklore, the leshy is a forest spirit, often depicted as a guardian of nature with a deep connection to the cycles of life.
Turandot (1926 CE)
Turandot is not a historical person but a legendary figure rooted in Persian folklore, later adapted into European narratives.
Hastobiga, Navajo Medicine Man (1904 CE)
For this portrait, Hastobiga’s ceremonial attire—feather-adorned headdress, body paint, and ritual rattles—suggests Curtis collaborated with him to highlight the sacred role of the hatałii.
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.