The artwork “My Loved Ones” by Carl Larsson, created in 1893 in Sweden, is a watercolor painting on paper associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This genre painting captures a domestic scene full of warmth and familial affection.
Depicted in the painting is a joyful and intimate family moment set outdoors. The central focus is a group of children and a woman who is likely their mother. She sits on the steps of what appears to be a house, surrounded by her children engaged in various activities. A boy, wearing a hat and a colorful outfit, sits on a cart, interacting with a younger child who seems to be playing with flowers. Another little girl, standing on the left side of the scene, holds a rifle, suggesting she might be playing a game. There is a sense of gentle movement and relaxed chaos that you might expect in a family with young children.
In the background, a pastoral landscape extends beyond the family space, indicating a rural or suburban setting. Architectural elements, such as the house and fence, frame the scene, while the outdoors provides a soft and idyllic backdrop, with trees and a clear sky subtly rendered in watercolor. In the foreground, a dog lies sleeping, adding to the tranquility and sense of home.
The artwork is elegantly bordered by an arched design, and at the bottom, there are ornamental lines and the artist’s signature and the date. The soft palette and the use of light and shade reveal Larsson’s mastery of the watercolor medium, while the affectionate portrayal of his subjects reflects the Art Nouveau movement’s aesthetic and the genre painting’s focus on everyday life.
