Caricature in Sweden


The art of exageration – Caricature in Sweden
Nationalmuseum de Stockholm (dans le cadre d’une exposition sur les passions en art)
8 mars- 12 août
PDF du texte et des images de l’exposition
(catalogue uniquement en suédois)

The Art of Exaggeration – Caricature in Sweden

Caricature makes its point by exaggerating. This exhibition presents over 90 razor-sharp images of politicians, bureaucrats, writers and others deemed worthy of caricature, from the 16th century to the present day.
Images: Hilding Nyman, August Strindberg, Cover image for Strix Magazine. Einar Nerman, Inga Tidblad and Olof Bergström in The Lady of the Camellias. Helena Lindholm, Caroline af Ugglas.

Hilding Nyman, August Strindberg, Cover image for Strix Magazine. Einar Nerman, Inga Tidblad and Olof Bergström in The Lady of the Camellias. Helena Lindholm, Caroline af Ugglas.

8 March – 12 Augsut 2012

A caricature captures the features and body language of a recognizable figure. It is often intended to be humorous, but not always. It exaggerates typical characteristics and peculiarities without going too far. An elegant but pointed drawing style softens the irony of the image, and our smiles of recognition mitigate its more awkward, perhaps hurtful aspects.

This exhibition charts the evolution of caricature in Sweden. In the beginning, caricatures were meant for private consumption, appearing mainly in diaries and letters. The new printing technologies of the 18th century made mass printing possible and brought caricature into the public arena. With the growth of the picture press in the 19th century, caricature became a force to be reckoned with. Being caricatured was considered a sign of celebrity status. The lithographic technique also enabled a more personal drawing style and a level of artistry that set the standard for future caricaturists.

Caricature was long considered a male preserve, but the early 20th century saw female artists start to make a name for themselves, particularly in theatrical caricature. After a period in which caricature had served chiefly as political commentary on the leader pages, it re-emerged as a hot topic when cartoons of the prophet Mohammed appeared in 2005.

The exhibition features drawings, prints and digital images by artists including Johan Tobias Sergel, Carl August Ehrensvärd, Gustaf Wahlbom, Albert Engström, EWK, Annie Bergman and Stina Eidem.

Introduction, guided tours and audiovisual presentation

A short presentation of the exhibition is included in the introductions and audiovisual presentation of Passions. Introduction in Swedish in the Auditorium, 45 minutes, Tuesday–Friday at 1 pm, 13 March–27 April. In May, Tuesdays at 1 pm, presentation in the exhibition hall. Audiovisual presentation at other times.
Programmes

Themeday
Sunday 22 April at 1–3 pm
Read more

Download a leaflet containing images and texts from the exhibition.