By the Cellar (1917 CE)

Vid källaren or by the Cellar, a captivating watercolor by Carl Larsson, portrays an idyllic rural scene featuring children from the Nordlund family in Sundborn, Sweden. Created in 1917, this artwork exemplifies Larsson’s late style, characterized by delicate lines and a muted palette. The composition, centered around a traditional Swedish root cellar, evokes nostalgia and simplicity, inviting viewers into a serene moment of everyday life.

By the Cellar was painted in 1917 by Carl Larsson (1853–1919), a prominent Swedish artist celebrated for his contributions to the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau. Larsson created this work in Sundborn, where he and his wife Karin resided at Lilla Hyttnäs, a home gifted by Karin’s father in 1888. Painted two years before Larsson’s death, the artwork reflects his late-career focus on intimate, everyday scenes. The children depicted—Sven, Edit, Karin, and Frida—belonged to the neighboring Nordlund family, highlighting Larsson’s connection to the local community. The painting’s creation coincided with a period of personal reflection for Larsson, possibly influenced by the rejection of his monumental work Midvinterblot by the Nationalmuseum.

The artwork is deeply tied to Larsson’s life at Lilla Hyttnäs, which he and Karin transformed into a model of Arts and Crafts ideals. The root cellar, a common feature in rural Swedish households, was a practical element of daily life in Sundborn, used to store food. Larsson’s choice to depict children playing around it suggests a romanticized view of rural life, contrasting with the increasing modernization of early 20th-century Sweden. The Nordlund children, who replaced Larsson’s own grown children as models, add a layer of community warmth to the scene, reflecting the artist’s affection for Sundborn’s simplicity.

The painting holds significant cultural value as a representation of Larsson’s vision of Swedish rural life. The painting captures the innocence of childhood and the charm of everyday moments, contributing to a romanticized image of Sweden popularized through Larsson’s works. Its Art Nouveau style, with flowing lines and decorative elements, aligns with the movement’s emphasis on beauty in the mundane. The root cellar, a symbol of self-sufficiency, underscores the importance of traditional practices in early 20th-century rural Sweden. The artwork’s enduring popularity, evidenced by its frequent reproduction as prints and merchandise, underscores its role in shaping Sweden’s cultural identity.

The artwork is a watercolor on paper, measuring 74 cm × 52.5 cm (29.1 in × 20.7 in). Larsson’s use of watercolor creates a soft, translucent effect, with a muted color palette typical of his late works. The linear style, influenced by Art Nouveau, features precise contours that enhance the decorative quality of the composition. 

By the Cellar is part of the permanent collection at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden. Its journey to the museum reflects its recognition as a significant work within Larsson’s oeuvre.