The New Ballad (1903)

Anders Leonard Zorn (18 February 1860 – 22 August 1920) was a distinguished Swedish painter, widely respected for his expertise in painting, sculpture, and etching. Raised in Mora, Sweden, Zorn rapidly rose to prominence as one of the leading artists of his era, earning recognition both within Sweden and internationally. His remarkable technical skill and unique artistic approach played a significant role in earning him such acclaim.

Zorn gained particular distinction for his remarkable portraits, through which he was able to convey both the appearance and the personality of some of the most notable individuals of his time. Among those he portrayed were King Oscar II of Sweden and three American Presidents: Grover Cleveland, William H. Taft, and Theodore Roosevelt. These prestigious commissions further cemented his status and influence across European and American art communities.

In addition to his portraiture, Zorn produced evocative depictions of rural Swedish life, as well as nudes and landscapes. He was especially praised for his creative handling of light and his talent for depicting water and the subtleties of skin tones. The “Zorn palette,” a reduced range of paint colors, became linked with his name, reflecting his ability to create a wide array of effects with only a few pigments.

Near the end of his life, Zorn remained committed to fostering the arts in Sweden. In 1920, the year of his death, he founded the Swedish literary Bellman Prize, highlighting his commitment to enhancing Swedish culture. Today, Anders Zorn is recognized as one of the most significant artists in Sweden’s history, with his works featured in major museums worldwide.