Pelle from Småland (1905)

Delve into the engaging world of Albert Engström with his artwork "Pelle from Småland", composed in 1905. This black and white sketch captures a humorous and expressive scene featuring two figures in a stark yet compelling contrast.On the left, we observe a slender man, standing somewhat slouched and dressed in a modest coat. His expression and posture hint at a combination of resignation and mild perplexity. His gaze is directed towards the character opposite him, drawing the viewer's eye across the frame.Dominating the right side of the sketch stands a corpulent man, whose grandiose stature and confident pose sharply juxtapose the other character. He appears self-assured, hands on hips, with a proud and slightly aloof facial expression. His attire, a close-fitting suit, emphasizes his substantial girth, adding a comedic element to the scene through this exaggerated depiction.Engström masterfully uses simple lines and shading to convey not just the physical differences between the two characters, but also their likely contrasting personalities and social statuses. The sparse background with minimal details directs all attention to the interaction between these two figures, making this encounter the focal point of the composition."Pelle from Småland" not only showcases Engström’s skill with pen and ink but also reflects his keen eye for character and social commentary, packaged in a visually intriguing and accessible format.