Einar Nerman: The Elegant Swedish Illustrator

Einar Nerman (1888–1983) was a highly acclaimed Swedish artist and illustrator known for his elegant, distinctive Art Deco style and his witty, stylized portrayals of people. Having studied art in Paris, his career spanned several creative fields, including painting, set design, and composing, but he achieved his greatest fame through his commercial work and illustrations.

Nerman’s unique style was characterized by fluid lines, simplified forms, and a sophisticated, almost theatrical air, making him highly sought after internationally. He created famous illustrations for publications like Vogue and illustrated numerous books, including classics by Selma Lagerlöf. Perhaps his most iconic work, however, was his long-running series of charming silhouette-like illustrations for the British tea company, Lyons, which cemented his legacy as a master of visual elegance and commercial artistry in the mid-20th century.

Anders De Wahl, Karin Molander, Pierrots Drama, 1918

En Gyllene Medelväg, 1919

Turné Ivan Hedqvist, Från Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern, Dunungen av Selma Lagerlöf, 1919

En sjömansdrill, 1920

Naima Wifstrand, Karl-Gerhard, Nalle Halldén, circa 1920s

Teatern, Turné- Tora Teje, Gösta Ekman, "Den Javanesiska Dockan", circa 1920s

De Varkenshoeder, Sprookje van Hans Andersen (The Swineherd by H. C. Andersen), 1923

Dutch edition of "The Swineherd" by H. C. Andersen, 1923

Dutch edition of "The Swineherd" by H. C. Andersen, 1923

Dutch edition of "The Swineherd" by H. C. Andersen, 1923

Sascha Guitry and Yvonne Printemps in 'Mozart', 1923

Carmencita, Tango, 1925

Noaks Ark, circa 1925

"The Nine o' Clock Revue", 1927

Caricature of Gracie Fields, The Tatler, July 11, 1928

Tummeliten, Jultidning för Smått Folk, 1928

Solstickan Säljes till Förmån för Barn och Gamla, circa 1930s

Pastoral och Parodi Visor av Olof Wibergh, 1932

God Jul och Gott Nytt År, circa 1941

God Jul, circa 1941

Dalahästen och Andra Barnvisor, 1947