John Bauer Brother St. Martin and the Three Trolls poster reproduces the Swedish illustrator’s 1913 watercolour created for Emil Eliason’s story Brother Martin in Bland tomtar och troll. Brother Martin stands in a dark forest confronting three small trolls gathered beside a tall pine, a scene that captures Bauer’s unmistakable blend of folklore, silence and deep woodland atmosphere.
John Bauer Brother St. Martin and the Three Trolls poster reproduces the Swedish illustrator’s 1913 watercolour created for Emil Eliason’s story Brother Martin in Bland tomtar och troll. Brother Martin stands in a dark forest confronting three small trolls gathered beside a tall pine, a scene that captures Bauer’s unmistakable blend of folklore, silence and deep woodland atmosphere.
In short: a Swedish folklore art print for readers, fantasy lovers and Scandinavian interiors, with one of John Bauer’s classic encounters between the human world and the hidden creatures of the forest.
John Bauer Brother St. Martin and the Three Trolls Poster
John Bauer (1882–1918) became one of Sweden’s most influential fairy-tale illustrators through his work for the annual Bland tomtar och troll. Nationalmuseum notes that these illustrations gradually became independent of the stories they first accompanied and came to represent the image of Sweden’s ancient forest populated by trolls and other supernatural beings.
Brother St. Martin and the Three Trolls belongs to the 1913 volume. In the original scene, the robed Brother Martin raises a hand toward three trolls at the foot of a pine. The composition is simple, but Bauer creates tension through scale, shadow and the towering vertical trunks around the figures. The forest feels old enough to possess its own rules.
“I don’t think I know thee, grey dwarves! He called”
This line, preserved by Nationalmuseum as the picture’s label, gives the image a narrative spark without explaining everything. Bauer leaves room for the viewer to imagine what happened before and after the encounter.
Artwork and Product Details
Artwork
Brother St. Martin and the Three Trolls
Artist
John Bauer (1882–1918)
Date
1913
Original medium
Watercolour
Original dimensions
25 × 25 cm
Collection
Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
Original context
Illustration for Emil Eliason’s Brother Martin, published in Bland tomtar och troll, vol. 7
Print
Premium matte art print
Frame
Not included
Available Sizes
25 × 25 cm
10 × 10 in
30 × 30 cm
12 × 12 in
40 × 40 cm
16 × 16 in
45 × 45 cm
18 × 18 in
50 × 50 cm
20 × 20 in
70 × 70 cm
28 × 28 in
Swedish Folklore for a Scandinavian Interior
The square format makes this John Bauer poster especially easy to place above a desk, beside a bookcase, in a reading corner or as part of a gallery wall. The restrained greens, browns and greys sit naturally beside wood, linen and other quiet materials often used in Scandinavian interiors.
It is a 1913 watercolour illustration by Swedish artist John Bauer, created for Emil Eliason’s story Brother Martin in the fairy-tale anthology Bland tomtar och troll.
Where is the original artwork?
The original belongs to Nationalmuseum in Stockholm.
Why is John Bauer associated with trolls?
Bauer’s fairy-tale illustrations helped shape the modern visual idea of the Swedish troll and the enchanted Nordic forest.
What sizes is this poster available in?
The square print is available in six sizes from 25 × 25 cm to 70 × 70 cm.
The print was clear and beautifully produced. Ordering was quick, and everything was as expected.
Tiril
Local production helps reduce shipping distance and emissions.
We only print when you order, using FSC-certified or equivalent matte paper (200 gsm, 0.26 mm) for a refined, non-reflective finish.
Created on request - near you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How fast will my order arrive?
All our posters are printed only when you order to avoid overproduction and waste. Once you place an order, it's produced locally and usually delivered to your door within 3–7 business days. Please allow extra time during peak seasons.
What's the quality of your posters?
We use premium matte paper - heavyweight, bright white, and luxuriously smooth to the touch:
Finish: matte, smooth, non-reflective
Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness 0.26 mm (10.3 mils)
Sustainable: FSC-certified or equivalent
Where are the posters made?
We print as close to you as possible. Posters are produced locally in the USA, Canada, EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. Other product types may be fulfilled in other regions.
What if my product is damaged?
If your order arrives damaged or with a production error, please contact us within 14 days. We'll guide you through the return or replacement process to make it right.
Can I return my order?
Yes. We offer a 14-day return policy. Please email us at info@hyggebyscandinavia.com before sending anything back. Returns sent without prior approval cannot be accepted, and items must be returned to the address provided by our team.
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