INSIDE GREETING: The world belongs to those who read. (—Rick Holland) In one of Carl Larsson's warmly luminous illustrations, a woman reclines on a vibrant green wooden bench, completely absorbed in her book. Tucked in blankets and snuggled with her cat, she embodies a moment of perfect, tranquil literary bliss. Soft light bathes the scene, illuminating the meticulous domestic details—delicate linens, rich textures, and colorful clothing—that define Larsson's distinctive artistic vision. One of Sweden’s most beloved artists, Carl Larsson (1853-1919) rose from a difficult childhood through his artistic talent. At thirteen, he entered the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts on his teacher's recommendation. The pivotal moment in his career came in 1882 at a Scandinavian artists' colony in Grez-zur-Loing near Paris. There, he met his future wife Karin Bergöö and transformed his art by switching from oil painting to watercolors—a decision that significantly shaped his artistic development. After marrying in 1883, Carl and Karin had eight children who became his favorite subjects. In 1888, they received Lilla Hyttnäs, a small house in Sundborn, from Karin's father. The couple turned it into a joint artistic project featuring modern and personal architecture, color schemes, and interior design. Carl's paintings and books made Lilla Hyttnäs one of the world's most recognizable homes. The quality of light, Karin's innovative interior design, and the vibrant family life depicted in Carl's watercolors have become almost synonymous with Sweden's cultural image. This product was custom designed and created at our location in Seattle. Shop our entire Books & Readers Collection!