Näcken 1934

Nils Dardel's 1934 painting "Näcken" depicts a scene of a water spirit playing a guitar, with a woman swimming above him. The water spirit, known as a näcken in Swedish folklore, is a seductive water spirit who often lures people to their deaths with his music. The woman, possibly unaware of the danger, swims above him. This juxtaposition creates a sense of tension and uncertainty in the work. The swirling, green water adds to the unsettling atmosphere, while the use of contrasting colors draws the viewer's eye to the figures in the painting. This work reflects Dardel’s unique blend of Expressionism and symbolism, often incorporating themes of myth and folklore.