“Breakfast in the Open,” created by Carl Larsson in 1913 in Sweden, is a genre painting representative of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The artwork captures a scene of people partaking in a leisurely outdoor meal amidst a birch forest.
The artwork is characterized by a harmonious composition, depicting a group of individuals engaging in various activities within a serene natural setting. Nestled among tall, slender birch trees, a group of men, women, and children enjoy a communal gathering. On the right, women are seen preparing and serving breakfast at a table adorned with a white cloth, surrounded by chairs. Two children sit on the grass, seemingly engrossed in the music being played by a man with a violin, creating a sense of community and connection. The delicate interaction of the figures with the environment illustrates a blend of everyday life with the tranquility of nature, a common theme in Larsson’s works. The scene is bathed in soft, natural light, enhancing the peaceful and idyllic atmosphere of the outdoor breakfast.