The First Tavern Ivar Arosenius (1878-1909)

Here we observe a scene centered around a modest structure identified by a sign displaying Vin, presumably indicating a tavern or wine establishment. The building itself is rendered with a somewhat naive quality, its architectural details simplified and presented in a bright red hue contrasting against the surrounding landscape. A steeply pitched roof shelters the structure, while small windows punctuate the facade.
The foreground is dominated by a flooded terrain, reflecting the sky above and creating an illusion of depth. Within this watery expanse, numerous figures engage in various activities. Several nude individuals are immersed in the water or playfully interacting with it; their postures suggest carefree enjoyment and a lack of self-consciousness. A white horse stands near a large tub, seemingly participating in the revelry. To the right, another figure resembling a goat is depicted, adding to the fantastical nature of the scene.
Above, a vibrant rainbow arcs across the sky, its colors rendered with an almost childlike exuberance. Dark clouds gather on the horizon, suggesting a recent or impending rain shower, which explains the flooded landscape. The overall atmosphere is one of unrestrained joy and indulgence, tinged with a sense of dreamlike unreality.
The subtexts within this composition are complex. The presence of nude figures in a seemingly public setting could be interpreted as an exploration of primal instincts and liberation from societal constraints. The rainbow, often associated with hope and renewal, might symbolize the potential for redemption or transcendence amidst earthly pleasures. The flooded landscape itself can be seen as a metaphor for emotional excess or a blurring of boundaries between different realms.
The juxtaposition of the simple tavern sign with the fantastical elements – nude figures, mythical creatures, and an extraordinary rainbow – suggests a commentary on human desires and their relationship to both the mundane and the divine. The work seems to explore themes of pleasure, innocence, and perhaps even a critique of societal norms through its depiction of unrestrained behavior within a seemingly idyllic setting.