The Princess and the Trolls John Albert Bauer (1882-1918)

Here we observe a scene set within a dense woodland environment. The composition is dominated by a muted palette of greens and browns, contributing to a sense of enclosure and perhaps even unease. A young woman, clad in a flowing white garment, occupies the central foreground. Her posture suggests a hesitant forward movement; she appears to be walking, yet her body language conveys a degree of apprehension or resignation rather than purposeful stride.
Flanking her are two figures that immediately draw attention due to their markedly different appearance. These beings, seemingly humanoid but distinctly monstrous in form, possess shaggy fur, elongated snouts, and unsettlingly expressive eyes. One approaches from the left, its stance suggesting a predatory advance, while the other mirrors this movement on the right. Both creatures are adorned with what appear to be decorative elements – a small horn or antler affixed to one’s head, and an ornamental piece around the neck of the other – hinting at a possible societal structure or ritualistic significance within their own world.
Behind these figures, partially obscured by the trees, lies a mass of similar beings, slumbering or resting in a heap. This collective presence reinforces the notion that the woman is encountering not merely two individuals, but an entire community. The depth of field is shallow, blurring the background and focusing attention on the immediate interaction between the woman and the trolls.
The artist’s use of line work is notable; delicate strokes define the foliage and the contours of the figures, while broader washes create a sense of atmosphere. The overall effect is one of fairytale narrative – a young woman confronted with an encounter that is both threatening and potentially transformative. Subtexts within the painting suggest themes of vulnerability, societal difference, and perhaps even the blurring of boundaries between beauty and monstrosity. The princess’s passive acceptance implies a predetermined fate or a willingness to engage with the unknown, while the trolls appearance – a mixture of ferocity and ornamentation – challenges conventional notions of monstrousness.