Lisbeth reading 1904

Carl Larsson painted “Lisbeth reading” with watercolor back in 1904. It's all about capturing a moment of quiet domesticity. I think he probably felt so calm making this. Imagine the way the light filters in, creating those soft shadows. Larsson's brushstrokes are delicate here, and the colors are muted, soft—the reds of the flower, the greens of the table—they feel very grounded. He's captured this moment with such care. Lisbeth's focus on her book, the stillness of the room… it's like time stands still. I can almost feel the quiet in the room, broken only by the rustle of pages. Larsson painted so many scenes of his home and family, and you can tell he took so much pleasure in it. I love that the painting is not about perfection, but about enjoying the process of seeing and feeling.