Karin and Kersti 1898

Carl Larsson created "Karin and Kersti" with watercolor, a medium that can be deceivingly simple. Here, the washes create an intimate portrayal of domestic life; yet, the very act of painting with watercolor—layering translucent glazes—demands meticulous planning and control. Larsson’s technique, honed through academic training, belies the apparent ease of the scene. The delicate brushstrokes capture the textures of fabric, the light filtering through the window, and the subtle expressions on the figures' faces. The choice of watercolor, often associated with amateur or feminine pursuits, adds a layer of complexity. Was Larsson elevating the everyday, or subtly commenting on the roles of women in the domestic sphere? The labor involved in creating such a detailed image, combined with the associations of the medium, challenges traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft. Ultimately, the work asks us to consider how the choices of materials and processes can imbue an artwork with meaning, and blur the boundaries of art history.