Sigrid Blomberg

One of her most notable creations is Bebådelsen (The Annunciation, 1900), a marble statue depicting the Virgin Mary on her knees in prayer, her head turned upwards.

Suddenly discovering the possibilities of sculpting with clay, she went on to study at the Royal Swedish Academy of Art from 1889 to 1898, following Axel Tallberg's etching course (1895–1896).

In 1894, she was awarded the Academy's Hertigliga Medal for her sculpture Ormtjuserskan (Snake Charmer), subsequently purchased by Västerås Castle.

During her final year at the Academy, she was awarded the Royal Medal for her figurines Kristus and Maria (Christ and Mary), part of a series of five she was creating for Oskarshamn Church (completed in 1899).

Depicting the Virgin Mary kneeling in prayer, it was greatly appreciated by visitors to the museum and was later mass-produced in terracotta miniatures which became popular in Swedish homes.