Harvesting ice 1905

Carl Larsson made "Harvesting Ice" in watercolor, showing a scene from rural Sweden. The image encapsulates the intersection of labor and landscape that defined much of 19th-century rural life. Here, the harvesting of ice, likely for preservation of food, is depicted not just as work, but as part of a larger social fabric. The figures are small against the vast, snow-covered expanse, emphasizing both the harshness of the environment and the communal effort required to overcome it. This scene presents an idealized view of Swedish country life, reflecting a nostalgic turn in art towards the agrarian past as industrialization took hold. The image creates meaning through its cultural references to the seasons, the land, and the hardworking ethos valued in Swedish society. Understanding this artwork requires delving into the social and economic history of Sweden, exploring how industrialization, class structures, and artistic institutions influenced its creation and reception. Through resources like historical archives, economic surveys, and critical writings, we can better appreciate the complex social world that this seemingly simple image represents.