October 1882

Carl Larsson made this watercolor painting in 1888. Here, the artist expertly layers pigment upon paper to give the scene a hazy, dreamlike quality. Watercolors have a fascinating history. They have been used for centuries across many cultures. But, with industrialization, pre-mixed paints became widely available, making the medium accessible to amateur artists. Larsson uses this technique to depict a scene of everyday life, with its garden and labouring figure. Through the use of thin washes, he creates a luminous effect, while thicker strokes define the shapes of the pumpkins and the woman's clothing. In this way, Larsson elevates the quotidian task of harvesting, giving dignity to the unseen work of so many. He presents a scene of harmonious life close to the earth. By focusing on both the artist's technique and his subject matter, we can appreciate how even the simplest materials and processes can convey profound meaning, challenging traditional hierarchies of art and craft.