Pontus

1884–1900

Eight children, the artist’s favourite models

Carl and Karin had eight children: Suzanne (b. 1884), Ulf (1887), Pontus (1888), Lisbeth (1891), Brita (1893), Mats (1894), Kersti (1896) and Esbjörn (1900). Ulf died at eighteen and Mats at the age of two months, and the life of the family became Larsson’s chief subject.

1885–1888

Back in Sweden: plein-air studies of southern Stockholm

In 1885 he returned to Sweden, where he stayed until 1888, painting plein-air studies of scenes from southern Stockholm.

1886–1891

Director of the Valand School in Gothenburg

In 1886 he accepted the post of director of the Valand School of Fine Art in Gothenburg, which he held until 1891. Among his pupils was Ester Almqvist, to whom he dedicated an etching.

1888

A gift from his father-in-law: Lilla Hyttnäs at Sundborn

In 1888 the young family was given the small house Lilla Hyttnäs at Sundborn, near Falun in Dalarna, by Karin’s father Adolf Bergöö. Carl and Karin decorated and furnished it to their own taste, and through his paintings and books it became one of the most famous artists’ homes in the world.

27 ottobre 1888

Son born: Pontus Larsson

21 ottobre 1891

Daughter born: Lisbeth Larsson