Los deberes 1898 Carl Larsson (1853-1919)

The composition presents a domestic interior, bathed in a warm, muted light emanating primarily from a lamp positioned centrally on the table. Here we see two young figures seated at a large wooden table covered with a green cloth. One appears to be an older child, likely female, engrossed in reading or writing; her posture suggests concentration and perhaps a degree of fatigue. The other is a younger boy, his head bent over what seems to be a book or some form of written material.
The room itself is characterized by dark wood paneling, which contributes to the overall sense of enclosure and intimacy. A decorative shelf filled with plates sits behind the table, adding a touch of domesticity and suggesting a comfortable middle-class setting. The presence of an ornate chair partially visible on the left hints at further details within the household.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and yellows – which reinforce the feeling of warmth and tradition. The light source casts shadows that subtly define the forms and add depth to the scene. The artist’s brushwork appears loose and expressive, lending a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the depiction.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of education and familial duty. The childrens focused postures suggest an emphasis on learning and responsibility within the home. The older child’s apparent weariness might allude to the demands placed upon her, while the younger boy’s concentration implies a nascent engagement with knowledge. The setting itself – a well-appointed room – implies a certain level of privilege and access to education, hinting at social commentary regarding opportunities available to different segments of society.
The overall impression is one of quiet domesticity, tinged with a sense of melancholy or perhaps the weight of expectation. It’s a moment captured in time, revealing a glimpse into the private lives of a family and their commitment to intellectual pursuits.