Portrait of the Artist’s Father 1903

Carl Larsson painted this portrait of his father, Olof, in 1892, probably in oils. The colors feel muted, but there's a real warmth that glows from the scene. You can tell that Larsson wasn't afraid to let the paint do its thing, especially in the background. The texture around the old man's head is particularly wonderful. Look at how the brushstrokes dance and swirl, creating this halo of light. It’s almost as if the wall is breathing behind him, which really brings the portrait to life. The paint isn’t overworked, but rather direct, capturing the essence of the moment and of his father’s presence in it. The overall effect is a cozy intimacy. Larsson reminds me a little of Bonnard in the way he captures these domestic scenes with such a personal touch. I think both artists share a talent for making the ordinary feel extraordinary, and for understanding that art is about capturing a moment in time, but also about sharing a feeling.