On the Way to Kiruna (1905)

Titled "On the Way to Kiruna," this evocative 1905 painting by Swedish artist Albert Engström offers a compelling glimpse into a moment of travel at the turn of the 20th century. The work is rendered in stark black and white, utilizing a loose, expressive drawing style that captures both the motion of the train and the introspective stillness of its passengers.The painting situates us inside what appears to be a train car, looking out through its ornate, wrought-iron gates towards a frosty landscape sweeping by. To the left stands a figure, back turned to the viewer, cloaked in a heavy overcoat and hat, gazing out at the passing scenery. The individual’s posture suggests a deep engagement with the wintry world outside, perhaps reflective of thoughts or simply absorbing the serene beauty of the snow-bound terrain.On the opposite side, another traveler is depicted in profile, similarly bundled against the cold, standing by a partition that separates the train's classes, marked by a sign that reads "2 KLASS" (second class). This character's stance and position hint at a social narrative common to the era's rail travel, illustrating the segregation of passengers by class.Notably, a humorous touch by Engström—the sign saying "POLCIRKELN," indicating the Arctic Circle—is visible just beyond the window, suggesting that the train is crossing into the remote and mystical northern reaches of Sweden. This detail adds a sense of adventure and geographic context to the scene, emphasizing the exotic destination of Kiruna, known for its extreme northern latitude and stunning natural surroundings.