Hanna Hirsch-Pauli's 'Friends' Painting Explored
Hanna Hirsch-Pauli (1864–1940), a Swedish painter celebrated for her genre scenes and portraits, initially trained at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts and August Malmström's painting school before relocating to Paris. After returning to Stockholm in 1887, she wed fellow artist Georg Pauli. Their artwork 'Friends' (1900–1907, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm) features 11 friends gathered in their home, with Hirsch-Pauli positioned as an observer. Among the notable individuals portrayed are philosopher and feminist Ellen Key, along with Olga Björkegren and Lisen Bonnier, whose ideas resonated widely around the early 20th century. The piece reflects the strong bonds of friendship within Stockholm's cultural elite. This article was created in collaboration with Europeana.
Key facts
- Hanna Hirsch-Pauli (1864–1940) was a Swedish artist known for genre scenes and portraits.
- She studied at August Malmström's painting school and the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts.
- She moved to Paris and met fellow artist Georg Pauli, marrying him after returning to Stockholm in 1887.
- They were members of Junta, a society of artists and intellectuals.
- Her painting 'Friends' (1900–1907, 204 x 260 cm) is held by Nationalmuseum, Stockholm.
- The painting depicts 11 friends at the Paulis' home at Bellmansgatan 6 in Södermalm, Stockholm.
- Hirsch-Pauli portrays herself as an artist with pen and pad, seated on the floor below table level.
- Ellen Key, a philosopher and feminist writer, is reading in the center of the painting.
Entities
Artists
- Hanna Hirsch-Pauli
- Georg Pauli
- August Malmström
- Venny Soldan-Brofeldt
- Eva Bonnier
- Nanna Bendixson
- Richard Bergh
- Gerda Bergh
Institutions
- Royal Swedish Academy of Arts
- Junta
- Nationalmuseum
- Europeana
Locations
- Stockholm
- Sweden
- Paris
- France
- Bellmansgatan 6
- Södermalm