1894-97 The Crayfish Season Opens watercolor Carl Larsson (1853-1919)

The artwork presents a scene brimming with whimsical activity centered around a lakeside feast. Here we observe a group of diminutive figures engaged in various tasks related to crayfish harvesting and preparation. A young girl, positioned prominently in the foreground, gazes directly at the viewer with an expression that blends curiosity and perhaps a touch of apprehension. She is seated before a table laden with food – a substantial pile of live crayfish dominates the composition, alongside plates, cutlery, and a silver serving vessel.
The landscape unfolds behind this central tableau. A dense thicket of trees lines the waters edge, their foliage rendered in delicate washes of green and yellow. Several figures are scattered throughout this wooded area; some appear to be fishing from small boats, while others seem to be playfully interacting with the environment, one figure seemingly diving into the water. A large pot sits near the shoreline, presumably used for cooking the crayfish.
The artist’s use of light is noteworthy. It filters through the trees, creating dappled patterns on the ground and highlighting certain figures within the scene. The overall effect is one of idyllic leisure and abundance, but a subtle undercurrent of strangeness pervades the work. The diminutive scale of the figures, their somewhat exaggerated expressions, and the slightly surreal arrangement of elements contribute to an atmosphere that transcends simple realism.
The subtexts embedded in this depiction are complex. It could be interpreted as a commentary on childhood innocence and the joys of nature, but also hints at a deeper exploration of fantasy and the blurring of boundaries between reality and imagination. The crayfish themselves, symbols of abundance and sustenance, might represent more than just food; they could symbolize the bounty of the natural world and the cyclical rhythms of life. The girl’s gaze suggests an awareness that something unusual is occurring, inviting the viewer to question the nature of this fantastical gathering.