The artwork, titled “Karin reading,” was crafted by the artist Carl Larsson in the year 1904 in Sweden. This piece is associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) art movement and falls within the genre of genre painting.
The artwork depicts an intimate domestic scene wherein a woman, presumably Karin, is seated at a table engrossed in her reading. She is wrapped in a cozy, patterned shawl, creating a warm and homely atmosphere. The room is adorned with detailed murals and a floral arrangement on the table, suggesting a well-tended and lived-in space. Above the door in the background, inscribed in French, is the phrase “Bien faire et laisser dire,” which translates to “Do well and let them say,” implying a sense of tranquility and contentment. The overall composition, rich in domestic detail and vibrant, warm hues, evokes the quiet pursuits of everyday life, characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement’s emphasis on natural forms and muted, aesthetic elegance.
