Då och då tog tomten tag i tyglarna 

John Bauer created this illustration, "Då och då tog tomten tag i tyglarna", using watercolor and ink, capturing a scene that blends folklore with the artist’s unique vision. Bauer was deeply influenced by Swedish folklore and the romantic nationalism prevalent at the turn of the 20th century. His illustrations often depicted scenes from Swedish fairy tales, reflecting a broader cultural interest in national identity and heritage. In this artwork, we see a figure riding through a dark forest, a common motif in Nordic folklore, evoking a sense of mystery and enchantment. Bauer's association with the Swedish Arts and Crafts movement is relevant here. Artists involved in the movement often sought to revive traditional crafts and draw inspiration from national history and folklore. Bauer's illustrations, with their detailed rendering and imaginative themes, resonated with these ideals, appealing to a public eager to embrace their cultural roots. By studying works from this period, alongside publications, and exhibition records, we can uncover the rich interplay between art, national identity, and cultural movements in early 20th-century Sweden.