Flowers on a windowsill

When I took this photograph of yellow daffodils on a blue ground I must have been subconsciously reacting to yesterday's post. Several people asked me about the picture of the girl reading, and I had been trying to find a book we have on the painter and his work, but - frustratingly - my search was in vain. The picture is called "The Reading Room" and it is by the Swedish artist Carl Larsson.

His domestic interiors in particular are charming, and in his book "Ett hem" (A home) he recreates his family life, prompting me to think that he could have been a forerunner of some of today's webloggers! He and his wife Karin are credited as an influence on the popular decorating trend, Scandinavian country style.

This white tulip on its blue-grey background is a 'Gustavian' reference to continue the Swedish theme, but to finish, here is Larsson's own "Flowers on the windowsill":

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If you have not already done so, please do leave a comment on yesterday's post and enter the draw for the book. You have until 6pm (GMT) tomorrow, the 7th. Good luck!

Comments

[peg]

Thank you so much for the link to Carl Larsson's art work. I love homely family scenes. They are delightful! I wonder if it is possible to obtain art cards of his work? Now you have me on the search for tulips for the house, Cornflower! They are one of my favourite flowers and I always plant at least one new variety every fall. Unfortunately, after a few years, they seem to disappear and all that is left are a few leaves. Never mind, I enjoy them when they bloom and the fact that I can purchase a few blooms early and enjoy them is just a bonus!

[Elizabeth]

Thank you for the link to the BBC HOME site Karen - of course it led me on and on ...

[Anna]

Thanks for this information. I thought that there was something vaguely familiar about the painting. Now I know why. Several moons ago I had a calendar featuring Carl Larsson's work. It did not include the 'Reading Room' but it did include 'Flowers on the windowsill'. I think that the latter illustration was what initially drew me to the claendar as I am a keen gardener. It gave me great pleasure for twelve months.

[blackbird]

What a delight it's been to wander back through your notes and queries. There is plenty that I should be doing this rainy Saturday morning, including a blog post of my own, but it's been a pleasure to spend it here with you.