A Swedish Fairy Tale
Artist/Maker
DatesSigned: Sign. 1897
Material / Technique
Dimensionsh x w: Mått 137 x 43 cm h x w x d: Ram 164 x 164,5 x 19,5 cm Ink. Trärelief d: Ram [med hänge] 22,5 cm totalt djup
Inventory numberNM 6840b
AcqusitionGift 1989 Ernest Erickson Foundation
Other titlesTitle (sv): Vallpojken. Del av diptyken Prinsessan och vallpojken Title (en): A Swedish Fairy Tale
DescriptionDescription: The subject derives from a Norwegian folk tale published by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe. The Daughter of the Mountain King, Princess Kristin, has to get married immediately when she turns 18, otherwise a troll will kidnap her. The story ends with the shepherd boy Askeladden killing the troll, marrying the princess and winning half the kingdom. Carl Larsson had in his youth worked with illustrations for an edition of Asbjørnsen's and Moe's fairy tales. Exhibition text: The motif derives from a Norwegian folktale about the mountain king’s daughter, Princess Kristin. She must marry when she turns 18; otherwise, a troll will abduct her. The story ends with the shepherd boy Askeladden killing the troll, marrying the princess, and receiving half the kingdom. By combining two oil paintings with a gilded wooden relief, Larsson creates a triptych that is a striking example of his artistic versatility.
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