Elsa Beskow: Mors lilla Olle (1903) | Art Poster

A charming Swedish nursery poster featuring a barefoot boy sharing wild berries with a bear in the forest. Elsa Beskow’s 1903 illustration for Mors lilla Olle brings together childhood curiosity, Nordic nature and the gentle magic of a classic Swedish song.

Printed locally on heavyweight matte paper. Typical delivery time: 2–5 business days.

• Classic illustration by Elsa Beskow
• Created for Mors lilla Olle in 1903
• Olle meeting a bear in a blueberry forest
• Soft watercolours and detailed Nordic vegetation
• Printed on 200 gsm matte quality paper
• Available in four sizes
• Frame not included

Olle and the bear in the forest

Olle stands barefoot among blueberry bushes with a basket over his arm. In front of him, a large brown bear bends down to accept the berries he offers. The scene feels peaceful and trusting, even though the meeting between a small child and a wild animal gives the illustration a quiet sense of adventure.

Beskow surrounds the figures with slender tree trunks, green leaves and a forest floor covered in berries. Olle’s blue clothing and the red details in the basket stand out against the natural greens and browns.

A beloved Swedish children’s song

Mors lilla Olle was written and composed by Alice Tegnér. The song tells the story of a little boy who meets a bear while picking berries in the forest. Unafraid, he shares his berries with the animal until his mother arrives and frightens the bear away.

Elsa Beskow created the illustration for the 1903 publication Mors lilla Olle och andra visor. Her picture gives the familiar song a visual world filled with tenderness, humour and close observation of nature.

“among the most well-known and beloved”

About Elsa Beskow

Elsa Beskow was born in Stockholm in 1874 and became one of Sweden’s most influential children’s book artists and authors. Her stories often allow children, flowers, animals and woodland creatures to inhabit the same imaginative world.

Beskow drew inspiration from Swedish landscapes, family life and the changing seasons. She frequently used her own children as models, helping her illustrations retain natural gestures and a convincing sense of childhood personality.

Part of Sweden’s cultural heritage

The original Mors lilla Olle illustration belongs to Nationalmuseum in Stockholm. It was one of four illustrations from the songbook donated to the museum by Benny Andersson in 1995.

The collaboration between Alice Tegnér and Elsa Beskow connected music, storytelling and illustration. Their songs and pictures have remained part of Swedish childhood culture for generations.

Artwork details

Available sizes

Gentle woodland art for the home

The soft greens, warm brown bear and small red details give this poster a playful yet calm expression. It is a natural choice for a nursery, children’s room, reading corner or family space with light wood and muted colours.

Explore more historical illustrations in our collection of Swedish art, or pair it with John Bauer’s woodland illustration Poor Little Bear!.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mors lilla Olle about?

The Swedish children’s song tells the story of a little boy who meets a bear while picking berries and calmly shares his food with it.

Who created the illustration?

The illustration was created by Swedish children’s book artist and author Elsa Beskow.

When was the illustration made?

Beskow created it for the 1903 publication Mors lilla Olle och andra visor.

Where is the original illustration?

The original belongs to Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and entered the collection as a gift from Benny Andersson in 1995.

What paper is the poster printed on?

The poster is printed on heavyweight 200 gsm matte quality paper with a smooth, non-reflective surface.

Is a frame included?

No. The frame is not included, allowing you to choose one that suits the poster and your interior.