Artwork
Dalecarlian Peasant
Dalecarlian Peasant is a print by Anders Zorn. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Anders Zorn’s 1919 print titled *Dalecarlian Peasant* is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work depicts an elderly rural figure, rendered in a compact format that emphasizes the sitter’s facial expression and traditional attire.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a bearded man wearing a fur cap and a dark vest, his gaze directed toward the viewer with a solemn demeanor. The straightforward composition suggests a respectful study of regional identity and the dignity of a Swedish peasant.
Technique & Style
Zorn employs a contrast of thick, impasto strokes for the fur hat and vest against smoother, finer lines on the face, creating tactile depth. The limited palette of muted tones and a light, unadorned background focuses attention on the figure’s features and clothing.
History & Provenance
Created in the post‑World War I period, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century. It remains a representative example of Zorn’s late work, reflecting his continued interest in portraiture and Swedish folk subjects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anders Leonard Zorn was born in February 1860 in Mora, Dalarna, the illegitimate son of a Bavarian brewer and a Swedish farmer's daughter; his mother died shortly after his birth, and his grandparents raised him.
