Ola Larsson - Portrait of a Girl, 1929

Ola Larsson (1863-1939) Sweden

Portrait of a Girl, 1929

oil on canvas
signed and dated 
unframed: 28 x 22 cm
framed 38 x 32 cm 

Provenance: 
A Swedish private collection.

Essay:

This charming portrait of a young girl, painted by Ola Larsson in 1929, invites viewers to wonder about her thoughts. Capturing her with a delicate and thoughtful expression, the painting reflects Larsson's exceptional talent for portraying human character with psychological sensitivity and artistic precision.

Ola Larsson (1863–1939) was a gifted painter, sculptor, and graphic artist whose early promise was widely recognized. After formal training at prestigious art academies in Copenhagen and Stockholm, and travels to artistic hubs such as Paris and Berlin, Larsson returned to his family’s farm in Vemmenhög, Sweden. Although his career was somewhat constrained by personal responsibilities and his involvement in local affairs, Larsson remained a dedicated artist throughout his life.

"The Village School Teacher" (1892)
One of Ola Larsson's most celebrated works, this portrait depicts his former teacher, Per Jönsson (1828–1901), seated at his desk. 

Known as "Vemmenhög’s own painter," Larsson was celebrated for his ability to capture both the physical likeness and inner essence of his subjects. His style, shaped by the intimate realism of the Danish art tradition, combines a keen eye for detail with an understated emotional depth. This portrait exemplifies his talent as a portraitist, showing not just the girl’s outward appearance but offering a glimpse into her contemplative nature.

Today, his works can be found in several notable collections, including the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen and
Malmö museum.

What might this girl have been pondering as she sat for her portrait? Her gaze, soft yet introspective, leaves an open-ended question that resonates with anyone who admires Larsson’s skill in portraying life's quiet moments.