
Pierre Louis Alexandre (c.1879-1880)
Karin Bergöö Larsson (Swedish, 1859-1928)
Acquired by The National Gallery of Art, Washington

Karin Bergöö Larsson (1859-1928)
Pierre Louis Alexandre
c- 1879-1880
Oil on canvas, mounted on board
92.2 x 73.5 cm (36 5/16 x 28 15/16 in)
National Gallery of Art, Washington: Gift of Funds from Laura and john Arnold, Virginia Cretella Mars, and Maria Elena Weissman. 2024.6.1
Portrait of Pierre Louis Alexandre offers a rare and insightful depiction of an individual often reduced to stereotype in 19th-century European art. Painted by Karin Bergöö Larsson during her time as a student at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, the portrait stands out for its focus on Alexandre’s humanity and individuality. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Larsson avoided “orientalizing” Alexandre with costumes or props, instead presenting him as a thoughtful, powerful figure close to the picture plane, his far-off gaze hinting at an inner world.
Pierre Louis Alexandre, born in French Guiana, arrived in Stockholm in 1863, likely as a stowaway. He worked as a dock laborer and modeled at the Royal Academy from 1878 until 1903, appearing in numerous works by Swedish artists of the era. Alexandre is now regarded as one of the most frequently depicted Black sitters in pre-20th century European art. This portrait, however, is significant for treating Alexandre not merely as a model but as a person, offering a rare acknowledgment of Black presence in European history and art.
Karin Bergöö Larsson, later known for her collaborations with her husband, the designer Carl Larsson, demonstrated extraordinary talent early in her career. While she set aside her painting after marriage, this portrait remains a powerful testament to her artistic vision and sensitivity.
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