Cast Iron Relief of The Troll and the Princess by Christian Eriksson

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Christian Eriksson Cast Iron Relief “The Troll and the Princess” – Swedish Arts & Crafts, Rackstad Movement, circa 1900 A … Read more Christian Eriksson Cast Iron Relief “The Troll and the Princess” – Swedish Arts & Crafts, Rackstad Movement, circa 1900 A rare and evocative cast iron relief by one of Sweden's most renowned sculptors, Christian Eriksson (1859–1935), depicting the folkloric subject The Troll and the Princess (Bergatrollet och prinsessan). Executed in solid cast iron and measuring approximately 21 x 26,5 cm, the work embodies the poetic mysticism and romantic nationalism of the Swedish Arts & Crafts movement. Eriksson, born in Tasserud near Arvika and later active in Stockholm, was a central figure within the Rackstad Colony—an influential circle of artists dedicated to craftsmanship, mythology, and the Nordic landscape. His sculptural language merges strength and sensitivity, here expressed in the dramatic encounter between troll and princess, a motif deeply rooted in Scandinavian folklore. The subject resonates strongly with the celebrated fairy-tale tradition immortalized by John Bauer, particularly in his iconic 1913 illustrations for Helena Nyblom’s tale Bortbytingarna, published in Bland tomtar och troll. Bauer’s famous watercolor The Princess and the Trolls, now in the collection of Nationalmuseum, reflects the same mythic narrative tradition in which a princess is taken by trolls and exchanged for a changeling child—a story of identity, longing, and return. Eriksson’s interpretation translates this literary and illustrative heritage into sculptural form. The material—cast iron—adds a sense of permanence and gravitas, contrasting beautifully with the lyrical subject matter. The relief’s textured surface enhances its dramatic depth, making it both a decorative object and a powerful symbol of Nordic romanticism. Details: Artist: Christian Eriksson (1859–1935) Title: The Troll and the Princess (Bergatrollet och prinsessan) Medium: Cast iron relief Movement: Swedish Arts & Crafts / Rackstad Colony Dimensions: approx. 21 x 26,5 cm Origin: Sweden Period: Early 20th century A work capturing the mystique of Scandinavian folklore through the enduring strength of cast iron. See less