Around the Evening Lamp 1900

Carl Larsson, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, created this watercolor titled "Around the Evening Lamp" in 1900. Larsson was known for his idyllic portrayals of family life, reflecting the values of domesticity and simplicity that were gaining traction during a time of rapid industrialization. Here we see what it meant to be a middle-class family in Sweden at the turn of the century. Gender roles were still largely traditional, with women often depicted as caregivers, but there was growing support for women's rights and suffrage. Larsson's wife, Karin, was a textile artist and designer and he often portrayed her as an equal partner in their domestic sphere. The image resonates with warmth and a sense of belonging, inviting us to consider the emotional bonds that tie families together. However, it also prompts us to reflect on the societal norms and expectations that shape our understanding of family, gender, and identity, both then and now.