My friends, the Carpenter and the Painter 1909

Carl Larsson created the watercolor painting, “My friends, the Carpenter and the Painter” at the turn of the 20th century. The artist was part of the Arts and Crafts movement, which rejected industrialization in favor of traditional craftsmanship. Here, we see two men, presumably tradesmen, at work in a domestic interior. One stands on a chair fixing a mirror, while the other readies his paintbrush. Larsson’s painting is a celebration of labor, friendship, and the value of skilled work. The painter's reflection in the mirror shows a man wearing a military-style cap, referencing the history and identity of working-class men in Sweden. Larsson’s paintings offered an alternative narrative to traditional portraits of the wealthy. "My friends, the Carpenter and the Painter" offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of working-class individuals, recognizing their contribution to society. It creates an emotional connection between the viewer and the subjects, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.