Ernst Josephson (1851-1906) was born in Stockholm and trained at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts, he also absorbed contemporary influences during his time in Paris. Josephson's art evolved from Realism to later incorporate Symbolist and Expressionist elements with emotional depth, often exploring Swedish folklore and mythology.
In the later part of his life, he suffered from psychological illness, which impacted his artistic style and contributed to what would later be labeled as "sjukdomskonst" (or "illness art"). This period saw a shift towards a more spontaneous, less constrained form of expression, leading to works that were raw, powerful, and deeply personal. These artworks provide insight to the artist's internal struggles and are considered significant in the context of modern Swedish art. Josephson's legacy is not only in his thematic and stylistic contributions but also in how his personal challenges influenced and reshaped his artistic vision.