The artwork titled “By the Cellar” was created by the artist Carl Larsson in 1917 in Sweden. Rendered in watercolor on paper, it is a poignant example of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The piece measures 52.5 by 74 centimeters and falls under the genre of genre painting. This distinguished work currently resides in the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden.
The artwork depicts a serene outdoor setting where several children are engaged in playful activities around a cellar. The natural surroundings include trees and a rugged, rocky terrain, harmoniously blending with the children’s innocent demeanor. The central figure, a young girl, stands barefoot in the foreground, holding a basket and wearing a simple dress with a hat. Her expression, coupled with the use of soft, natural colors, evokes a sense of tranquil simplicity and childhood nostalgia. Another child can be seen close by, sitting atop the cellar roof with an infant, while a third stands confidently at the summit. The meticulous attention to detail and the delicate interplay of light and shadow showcase Larsson’s mastery in watercolor and his affinity for capturing the essence of domestic life.
