Old Lena from Knifvatorp (1902)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
"Old Lena from Knifvatorp" (1902) by Albert Engström offers a humorous yet poignant glimpse into rural Swedish life at the turn of the 20th century. This ink drawing captures a moment of stark emotional expression, characterized by Engström's typical blending of caricature and narrative depth.In the scene, we see two figures engaged in a dramatic interaction. On the left, a stout woman, depicted with exaggerated features, appears shocked or scandalized, her mouth agape and one arm extended towards a depiction of a flirtatious couple in a paint or a photograph on the wall. The young woman and man in the artwork seem to be intently involved with each other, providing a stark contrast to the scene unfolding before them.Accompanying the central character is an elderly woman dressed in traditional garb, including a shawl and a cap. She clutches the arm of the younger woman, leaning in as though trying to either restrain or console her. This older figure's face, deeply lined and shadowed by her bonnet, hints at wisdom or resignation.This piece offers a vivid example of Engström's skill in conveying complex human emotions and societal commentary through simplicity and exaggeration.