The artwork “Mammas and the Small Girls,” created in 1897 by Carl Larsson, employs watercolor on paper and is notably associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This genre painting is currently housed in the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden.
The artwork presents a delightful domestic scene featuring three children in a cozy, well-furnished interior. The focal point is a young girl standing in the center of the room, partly undressed and whimsically donning adult-sized boots, symbolizing playful innocence. Behind her, another child is seated on the floor, preoccupied with an activity, possibly dressed warmly in an orange garment. To the right, a third child stands near a piece of furniture, seemingly involved with something on a table. The room is infused with natural light entering through a central window, highlighting details like the ornate ceiling decorations with pink ribbon-like motifs, the heart-patterned green panels around the window, and simple, sturdy furniture. The presence of toys and scattered clothing emphasizes the playful and lively atmosphere of the scene, reflecting Carl Larsson’s adeptness at depicting everyday moments with charm and emotional depth.
