Oscar Ohlson - Långälven, Värmland

Oscar Ohlson (1847-1912) Sweden

"Långälven, Värmland"

oil on canvas
signed Oscar Ohlson
unframed 25.5 x 38.5 cm
framed 35.5 x 48.5

Essay:
This enchanting Swedish painting, dated circa 1890, is believed to depict the tranquil waters of Långälven in Värmland, a testament to Ohlson's prowess in capturing the essence of the Swedish countryside.

The scene is a gentle narrative, where we witness a family moment frozen in time. Parents stand by their daughter on a wooden dock, poised to embark on a journey across the reflective waters. The young girl, dressed in period attire, appears eager and curious, a universal symbol of youth's anticipation for adventure. Her parents, dressed in the fashion of the late 19th century, exude a sense of calm and assurance.

Ohlson's brushwork brings the scene to life with a delicate interplay of light and shadow, mirroring the cloud-speckled sky on the lake's surface. The background is dotted with other vessels, suggesting the shared pleasure of the day's end on the water.

Oscar Ohlson (1847–1912), born in Linneryd, Småland, and later settling in Borås, was a multifaceted artist who, after pursuing law, found his true calling in the arts. A student of Alfred Wahlberg, Ohlson's works are characterized by moonlit landscapes and idyllic themes from around Öresund and Blekinge. This painting is a fine example of his landscape oeuvre, reflecting a romantic yet realistic portrayal of Swedish nature and leisure at the turn of the century.