Per Hasselberg 1891

Anders Zorn made this etching titled ‘Per Hasselberg’ sometime in his career, now residing at the Art Institute of Chicago. Zorn was a master of capturing fleeting moments, and here, he gives us a glimpse into the life of a sculptor, presumably Per Hasselberg. But what does it mean to represent artistic labor? In 19th century Sweden, artists were beginning to challenge the traditional academic system, seeking new ways to depict modern life. Zorn, with his impressionistic style, often focused on scenes of everyday life. Here, he captures the intimate moment of artistic creation, but also perhaps hints at the changing status of the artist in society, from craftsman to celebrated individual. To fully understand this work, we might delve into the archives of the Swedish art world at the time, explore biographies of both Zorn and Hasselberg, and consider the broader social and political context in which they worked. Art history reveals how images can reflect and shape our understanding of society.