Stalo and Kauras 

John Bauer created "Stalo and Kauras," an illustration invoking Swedish folklore. Bauer lived during a time of burgeoning Swedish nationalism, where folklore and fairy tales were used to construct a sense of national identity. The piece depicts a moment between a troll, Stalo, and a young boy, Kauras, in a muted palette that evokes the darkness of the forest. Stalo is rendered as an imposing figure, emphasizing traditional ideas of strength, while Kauras, a smaller, more vulnerable figure, evokes the innocence of youth. Here, Bauer seems to challenge traditional narratives, depicting the encounter as an introspective moment rather than one of conflict. In this way, Bauer's work moves beyond simple storytelling, prompting us to consider the complex ways we relate to narratives of childhood, identity, and our relationship to the past. The emotional depth is what endures.