The Boy Who Was Never Afraid (1912 CE)

Pojken som aldrig var rädd  or The Boy Who Was Never Afraid, created by John Bauer in 1912, is a watercolor, ink, and pencil illustration that brings to life a fairy tale by Alfred Smedberg, published in the Swedish anthology Among gnomes and trolls. This iconic artwork depicts a young boy, Nisse, riding a white horse, surrounded by mythical creatures in an enchanted forest. The scene, filled with vibrant details like blooming flowers, stylized trees, and a looming shadowy figure, evokes a sense of adventure and magic. Signed with Bauer’s initials “J.B.,” this piece is celebrated as one of the highlights of his career, offering a glimpse into the enchanting world of Nordic folklore.

The fairy tale The Boy Who Was Never Afraid, written by Alfred Smedberg and illustrated by John Bauer in 1912, follows Nisse, a boy who is never afraid due to his kindness. When his family’s only cow, Blomsterfina, is stolen by a troll from Hultaskogen forest, Nisse sets out to rescue her. Along the way, he helps a forest spirit trapped in a tree, a bellows-dog with a thorn in its paw, and a bear caught in branches. In gratitude, they give him a magical herb that lets him understand animals, and they aid him in confronting the troll. Nisse saves the cow and ensures the trolls never return. The story highlights that courage and kindness overcome danger.

Created in 1912, The Boy Who Was Never Afraid was commissioned for the sixth edition of Among gnomes and trolls, an annual Swedish collection of fairy tales that showcased Bauer’s illustrations. John Bauer, a renowned Swedish artist, drew inspiration from Nordic folklore, his travels to Lappland, Germany, and Switzerland, and the mystical forests of his hometown, Jönköping. The artwork was published as the cover image for the 1912 edition, marking a pivotal moment in Bauer’s career. According to art historian Harald Schiller, this period (1912–1913) represents the peak of Bauer’s artistic mastery, where he transitioned from earlier grayscale tones to richer colors and more stylized compositions, influenced by japonism and Northern European Jugendstil (Art Nouveau).

Bauer’s illustrations reshaped the modern perception of trolls in Nordic folklore, depicting them as grotesque, large-nosed creatures rather than human-like beings, as they were often described in older tales. This shift has left a lasting cultural impact. 

The artwork holds a significant place in Swedish cultural heritage, encapsulating the essence of Nordic folklore. Bauer’s illustrations, including this piece, redefined how mythical creatures like trolls and gnomes are visualized, blending whimsy with a touch of menace. The artwork reflects the moral of the accompanying fairy tale: courage and kindness triumph over adversity. Nisse’s journey, aided by creatures he helps, emphasizes values of empathy and cooperation, central to Nordic storytelling. Bauer’s use of theatrical composition, with figures positioned like actors against a backdrop, creates a narrative depth that draws viewers into the story. 

The artwork is a delicate composition of watercolor, ink, and pencil, measuring 16 x 19.5 cm (6.3 x 7.7 inches). Bauer’s technique during this period is noted for its vibrant color palette, moving away from the grayscale lavyr tones of his earlier works. Bauer’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in rendering natural elements like stones and foliage, creates a harmonious blend of realism and fantasy, enhanced by his signature stylized and theatrical arrangement.

The original artwork was part of the collection of pediatrician Ernst Bauer-Albrechtson in Stockholm, acquired in 1925. The piece was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm during the “John Bauer. Memorial Exhibition” in October 1934. While its current whereabouts are unclear, it is likely held in a private collection.