Interior with a Cactus 1914

Carl Larsson painted this watercolor, "Interior with a Cactus," sometime in his lifetime, making use of paper and pigments to render a seemingly simple domestic scene. However, the reality is far from simple. Larsson has framed the cactus, the girl weaving, and even the painted furniture, celebrating the artistry involved in the crafting process of everyday life. The girl’s labour with the loom, creating textiles, is placed in equal measure to the still life of the cactus in bloom. The composition of the quilt she weaves mirrors the vibrant colour choices of the hand painted furniture surrounding her. The labour that has gone into painting the furniture, weaving the quilt, and cultivating the cactus is apparent and honoured. Larsson challenges the hierarchy between fine art and craft by elevating domestic practices to a space worthy of aesthetic appreciation. The painting serves as a testament to the value of skilled labour and the artistry found within the home.