Jenny Nyström: Jultomte Christmas Poster (c. 1899)

A charming Swedish Christmas poster featuring Jenny Nyström’s beloved jultomte. Created around 1899, the festive illustration brings together Scandinavian folklore, winter nostalgia and the warm atmosphere of an old-fashioned Nordic Christmas.

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

• Swedish Christmas illustration by Jenny Nyström
• Created around 1899
• Traditional Scandinavian jultomte motif
• Warm colours and nostalgic storybook character
• Printed on 200 gsm matte paper
• Available in four sizes
• Frame not included

A classic Swedish Christmas scene

Small jultomte figures in red caps fill the illustration with movement and festive character. Nyström’s warm colours and playful details evoke Christmas cards, winter evenings and the stories traditionally shared during the Scandinavian holiday season.

The motif has the intimacy of a scene from a children’s book. Each figure contributes to its lively atmosphere, while the balanced composition makes the image decorative from a distance.

The jultomte in Scandinavian folklore

The Swedish tomte originated as a guardian of the farmstead. According to folklore, this small and often temperamental figure cared for the animals and protected the household. At Christmas, the tomte was traditionally thanked with a bowl of porridge.

During the late nineteenth century, the folk character gradually became connected with Christmas gift-giving. Jenny Nyström’s illustrations played an important part in shaping the friendly, red-capped jultomte recognised in Sweden today.

“the mother of the Swedish Christmas tomte”

About Jenny Nyström

Jenny Nyström was born in Kalmar in 1854 and studied in Gothenburg, at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm and later in Paris. She worked as a painter and became one of Sweden’s most productive illustrators.

Her pictures appeared in children’s books, magazines, calendars and greeting cards. Her depictions of Christmas, children and folklore became deeply associated with Swedish holiday traditions. She continued working throughout a long career and died in Stockholm in 1946.

Artwork information

Available sizes

Nordic Christmas warmth for your home

The rich colours and cheerful characters make this poster a natural choice for a living room, hallway, kitchen or children’s room during the Christmas season. It works beautifully with wood, candles, evergreen branches and traditional Scandinavian decorations.

Discover more nostalgic illustrations in our collection of Swedish art.

Frequently asked questions

What is a jultomte?

A jultomte is a Swedish Christmas figure derived from the tomte of Scandinavian folklore, a small guardian traditionally associated with farms, homes and animals.

Who created this Christmas motif?

The illustration was created by Swedish artist and illustrator Jenny Nyström, whose work helped define the modern appearance of the Swedish jultomte.

When was the illustration created?

The motif dates from approximately 1899, during the period when illustrated Christmas cards were becoming increasingly popular.

What paper is the poster printed on?

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

Is a frame included?

No. The frame is not included, allowing you to select one that suits your interior and preferred style.