Newly acquired letters from John Bauer's correspondence with Albert Bonniers Förlag reveal Selma Lagerlöf's critical views on Bauer's early illustrations for her reading book.
Jönköpings läns museum has recently acquired three previously unknown letters from the correspondence of John Bauer with Albert Bonniers Förlag, shedding light on a controversial yet poorly documented chapter of Bauer's early career. In 1906, at the age of 24, Bauer was commissioned to illustrate Lagerlöf's reading book just before his breakthrough with "Bland tomtar och troll." The letters reveal Lagerlöf's rejection of several illustrations, describing some as 'boring' and others as 'awful,' while also expressing doubts about Bauer's ability to depict human figures.
As the correspondence unfolds, it becomes clear that Bauer was not only struggling with the artistic expectations placed upon him, but he was also advocating for better compensation for his work. He argued for a doubling of his fee, having turned down other commissions, and ultimately succeeded in raising his payment to 600 kronor. This financial aspect adds further context to the creative tension depicted in Lagerlöf's dismissals of his work.
The museum already manages around 1,000 letters related to the Bauer family, and these latest acquisitions contribute to a deeper understanding of John Bauer's artistic journey, particularly his relationship with one of Sweden's most revered writers, Selma Lagerlöf. The insights gleaned from these letters highlight the complexities of artistic collaboration and the challenges artists face in balancing their creativity with economic viability.
