Artwork
La joie de vivre
La joie de vivre is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Ernst Josephson. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
La joie de vivre is an 1894 oil painting by Swedish artist Ernst Josephson, characterized by its post-impressionist style. The work depicts an intimate indoor scene featuring a group of people around a bed, where a man cradles a child, set within a warm, cozy room.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a private, tender moment, conveying a sense of warmth and intimacy. The composition invites the viewer into the scene, emphasizing the emotional connection between the figures, particularly the man and child at the center.
Technique & Style
Josephson employed visible brushstrokes and a diverse color palette to achieve depth and texture. The naturalistic depiction of figures, combined with expressive brushwork, aligns with post-impressionist principles, imbuing the scene with energy and movement.
History & Provenance
Created in 1894, La joie de vivre is part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ernst Abraham Josephson (1851–1906) was a Swedish painter and poet. He specialized in portraits, genre scenes of folklife and folklore.
