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Carl Johansson (1863-1944) Sweden

Landscape View, Nordingrå, 1915

oil on canvas
signed and dated Carl Johansson 1915
unframed 58 x 70 cm (22.8 x 27.6 inches)
framed 69 x 82 cm (27.2 x 32.3 inches)

Essay:
We are delighted to present a beautiful landscape by Carl Johansson (1863-1944), a piece that showcasing the breathtaking landscape of Nordingrå, part of the High Coast in Sweden. This area, known for its unique geology and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has inspired Johansson's creation, capturing the essence of the region's majestic beauty.

The painting features a meandering stream flowing through a vast landscape, flanked by sloping terrains on either side. In the background, the blue-hued mountains create a serene backdrop, harmonizing with Johansson's signature blue tones, a characteristic that earned him the nickname "Ultramarin Johansson." This artwork is a testament to Johansson's deep connection with the landscapes of Norrland, from where he drew many of his motifs.

Born in Härnösand, Carl Johansson's artistic talents were recognized early on by his drawing teacher, Conny Burman, at Klara Elementary School. His formal art education began at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in 1882, where he studied under Edvard Perséus and Per Daniel Holm. Johansson's career was marked by his affiliation with the Opponents movement in 1885, leading to his departure from the Academy.

Johansson's artistic journey included travels and studies in France, Tenerife, and Italy, reflected in the diverse landscapes featured in his works. He participated in several international exhibitions, including the World's Fair in Paris (1889), the Centennial Exhibition in Buenos Aires (1910), and the Panama Pacific International Exposition (1915). His first solo exhibition was held in 1933 at the Konstnärshuset in Stockholm, followed by several others, including a posthumous exhibition at Åmells art gallery in 1988.

Throughout his career, Johansson evolved from painting detailed landscapes in a traditional style to adopting a more impressionistic approach, influenced by French artists Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. His later works, marked by a notable blue tone, showcased his unique style, blending nationalistic sentiments with a photographic analytical approach.

This particular painting, "Landscape View, Nordingrå, 1915" painted in 1915, is a fine example of Johansson's impressionistic style and ultramarine color palette. It not only highlights Johansson's technical prowess and demanding standards in painting but also encapsulates his love for the landscapes of Norrland.

Carl Johansson's legacy continues to be celebrated, with his works displayed in prestigious institutions like the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Kalmar Art Museum, and Hudiksvall municipality.

Carl Johansson (1863 - 1944) Sweden

Sturehäll, 1892

oil on canvas
signed Carl Johansson Sturehäll 1892 
unframed 30 x 45 cm
framed 40 x 54.5 cm
hand crafted black frame by Christer Björkman is included.

Provenance: 
Bukowskis, April 1990, lot 47, "Insjövik med vass" (1892), hammer price 7.135 €

Essay:

This painting called Sturehäll by Carl Johansson, crafted in 1892 when the artist was 29 years old, offers a captivating glimpse of Sturehäll, near Sturehov in Norsborg. This piece, stemming from a critical period just after Johansson's return from Grez-sur-Loing—a place renowned for inspiring Swedish artists in the late 19th century—showcases the tranquil yet dynamic essence of nature. At first glance, the scene conveys a serene lakeside adorned with reeds along the shore of Lake Mälaren, but a closer examination reveals a more dramatic natural depiction. Johansson's rapid and confident brushwork breathes life into the reeds, while his technique of incising with the reverse end of the brush adds a layer of drama and texture, enhancing the painting's depth through impasto.

This early work is particularly rare and fascinating due to the significant evolution of Johansson's style over his career. In his later years, Johansson sought to recollect his early pieces, indicative of their importance in his artistic journey. The painting not only reflects Johansson's mastery over landscape but also his innovative approach to capturing the essence of his subject matter.

Johansson, born in Härnösand, drew inspiration from various landscapes, including Northern Sweden, France, Tenerife, and Italy, painting them with the sun positioned at 30 degrees north-northwest. His artistic talent was nurtured under the guidance of Edvard Perséus and at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. Johansson's journey through art was marked by his association with the Opponents and his exploration of Impressionism, influenced by luminaries such as Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro.

This piece not only embodies Johansson's transition into a more impressionistic style but also serves as a testament to his enduring connection to the Swedish landscape, particularly the pastoral and historic setting of Sturehov. The manor, built in 1781 in the Gustavian style, and its surrounding parklands and agricultural landscapes, offer a window into Sweden's rich cultural heritage, echoed in Johansson's painting.

Old map shows Sturehov and Sturehäll. 

Carl Johansson (1863-1944) Sweden

Summer Landscape with Road, 1889

oil on canvas
signed and dated Carl Johansson . 89 .
unframed 27 x 39 cm
framed 41,5 x 53 cm

Provenance:
The previous owner bought it in 1988 at Åmells Stockholm for 106.000 SEK. 

Literature: 
Åmells exhibition catalogue, 1988, nr 5, "Sommarlandskap med väg"

Essay:
Carl Johansson's "Summer Landscape with Road" is an exquisite landscape that encapsulates the serene beauty of the Swedish countryside. Painted in 1889, the same year Johansson showcased his work at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, one can't help but wonder if this very painting was among those displayed at the fair.

Exposition Universelle de 1889

Johansson's early works, such as this one, are exceedingly rare, making "Summer Landscape with Road" not only a visual delight but also a collector's gem. The painting's magnificent gold frame enhances the bright, vivid colours of the small-format artwork, creating an impactful presence.

Carl Johansson's blue impressionistic depictions of Northern Sweden earned him the nickname "Ultramarine Johansson", and his paintings are celebrated in prestigious collections, including the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Kalmar Art Museum, and the municipality of Hudiksvall.

Winter Landscape 1890, mixed media, Nationalmuseum, inv no NMH 196/1963. 

Carl Kjellin (1862-1939) Sweden

Sunset Over the Lake, 1919

oil on canvas
signed and dated C Kjellin 19
unframed 76 x100 cm
framed 91 x 116 cm

Provenance:
A gift from the artist to doctor Knut Harald Giertz;
Malma Gård Östergötland.


Essay:

"Sunset Over the Lake" by Carl Kjellin is a Nordic Light painting capturing the ephemeral beauty of a lake at sunset. The vibrant canvas, dominated by a brilliant orange sky reflecting upon the water's surface, evokes a sense of tranquility and awe. Kjellin's use of intense colors and the contrast between the dark foreground of trees and bushes creates a depth that draws the viewer into the landscape. The meticulous brushwork suggests movement through the serene stillness of nature, with a lone bird in flight enhancing the painting's dynamic feel.

Born on January 10, 1862, in Sweden, Carl Kjellin was not only an accomplished artist but also a respected drawing teacher. His education at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in Stockholm from 1881 to 1886, and subsequent studies in the Netherlands and Düsseldorf, as well as etching under Axel Tallberg, equipped him with a diverse skill set. Kjellin's oeuvre includes portraits and scenes from Bergslagen, featuring forges, blast furnaces, and charcoal kilns, reflecting his deep connection with Swedish landscapes.

His contributions to exhibitions at the Royal Academy, the Swedish General Art Association, and the Swedish Artists' Association were noteworthy, earning him scholarships in 1890 and 1891. Kjellin's legacy as a drawing instructor at the Technical School in Stockholm from 1898 to 1927 left a significant impact on the generations that followed. His works, including several drawings, are held in the collections of the Nationalmuseum and the Nordic Museum in Sweden. 

Carl Skånberg (1850-1883) Sweden

A Landscape Study

oil paint on wood panel
unframed 12 x 22 cm
framed 21.5 x 31.5 cm

Provenance: 
It was given as a gift from his widow Ellen Hintze to relatives of Carl Skånberg.

Essay:
Carl Skånberg is known for his delicate brushwork that echoed the early influence of Impressionism in Swedish art, Skånberg's work typically carries a certain mystique and emotional depth.

In this probable French landscape, Skånberg employs a monochromatic gray scale with hints of a faintly blue sky, reminiscent of the Grisaille technique. With simple, thin brush strokes, he painted a landscape that invites contemplation and introspection. The silhouette of a lone man walking in the middle of the painting adds a narrative element, while the sparse trees add to the composition's solitude. The visible snaking trail of the brush across the canvas speaks to the artist’s method and the physical act of painting.

Carl Skånberg, born on June 12, 1850, in Norrköping, Sweden, overcame personal hardships and societal obstacles to become a prolific painter, despite a serious illness that caused him great suffering. His determination to study and excel in the art led him from a painter's workshop in Stockholm to the influential circles of the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts and eventually to the artistic meccas of Paris and Italy. Skånberg’s life was rich with experiences that were as diverse as his friendships with prominent artists of his time such as Ernst Josephson, Carl Fredrik Hill och Carl Larsson. 

Carl Skånberg's life, though marked by his remarkable artistic contributions, was also touched by personal moments of both joy and sorrow. In 1881, seeking a reprieve for his health, Skånberg traveled to Italy—a country renowned for its inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It was there, amidst the historic beauty of Rome, that he encountered Ellen Hintze. Their meeting, likely at a Scandinavian social club—a haven for expatriates and artists alike—blossomed into love, culminating in marriage at the Consulate with the notable playwright Henrik Ibsen among the guests, a testament to the vibrant Scandinavian community that thrived in Italy during that period.

However, this joyous occasion was shadowed by Skånberg's declining health. Afflicted by Pott's disease since childhood, the artist suffered from respiratory complications, which were further exacerbated by his smoking habit. The hope that Italy's milder climate would provide relief was short-lived. Plagued by relentless asthma attacks, Skånberg was compelled to return to Sweden for treatment.

Despite the best efforts of his doctor, Axel Munthe—an esteemed physician known for his work with respiratory illnesses—Skånberg's health continued to deteriorate. The young artist's life was cut tragically short when he passed away in Stockholm, merely six months after his return from Italy and at the age of 32.

Skånberg's landscapes, coastal scenes, and later Italian-inspired works are a testament to his enduring spirit and artistic legacy, with his paintings being displayed in prominent museums such as the Nordiska museet, Nationalmuseum, and Göteborgs konstmuseum. 

Carl Stephan Bennet 1800-1878

Portrait of Agneta Sophia Cederström in a Black Dress

oil on canvas
canvas dimensions 16.14 x 12.40 inches (41 x 31,5 cm)
frame dimensions 22.04 x 18.11 inches (56 x 46 cm)

Registered in the Swedish Portrait Archive: SPA 1918:246

Provenance:
Family Tersmeden, Hessle herrgård, Sweden.

 

Bennet received his artistic education during a trip to Italy from 1829-to 1832, where he stayed in Rome and Naples. His closest contact in Rome was with the sculptors Bengt Erland Fogelberg and Bertel Thorvaldsen and the French painter Horace Vernet. After returning to Sweden, he divided his time between military service and art.

In 1838, after advancing to captain, he resigned from the military and conducted preparatory studies in the field of art in Sweden. He then mainly painted Italian landscape motifs, Stockholm views and views of larger mansions, portraits, animal pictures and cartoon architectural motifs.

Bennet is represented at Malmö Museum, Kalmar Art Museum, Nationalmuseum, Skokloster Castle, Lund University Art Museum, Stockholm Castle, Norrköping Art Museum, and Uppsala University Library.

Carl Wilhelmson (1866-1928) Sweden

Dancing Couple
Swedish title: Dansande par 

stamp signed Carl Wilhelmson 
watercolor on paper
unframed: visible image 22 x 19 cm
framed: 33 x 30 cm

Provenance:
The Artist Berta Wilhelmson (1869-1965) (Carl Wilhelmson's wife)

Exhibited: 
Färg och Form, 1946, Catalouge 184, Carl Wilhelmson Exhibition, 
No 144 "Dansande par".

Condition: 
Recently restored by a professional paper conservator. One half of the sheet was discolored, which she successfully restored. Today, it is in very good condition. The frame is newly handmade by Stockholms Förgyllning och Bildhuggeri.

Essay:
We are pleased to offer the beautiful watercolor "Dancing Couple" by Carl Wilhelmson, a celebrated Swedish artist. This artwork depicts a couple in mid-dance, capturing the fluidity of their movement with a soft, minimalistic use of color. The focus is on their connection and rhythm, evoking a serene, intimate moment.

"Dancing Couple" was exhibited at the 1946 Carl Wilhelmson retrospective at Färg och Form gallery.

Carl Wilhelmson (1866–1928) was one of Sweden's most influential painters. He began his artistic journey in Gothenburg, studying under Carl Larsson and later attending Académie Julian in Paris, where he worked alongside some of the most influential artists of his time. Upon returning to Sweden, Wilhelmson held a directorial position at the Valand Academy and taught many future prominent artists. His works often reflected his connection to Swedish life, particularly the maritime scenes of his hometown, Fiskebäckskil, and the northern Swedish landscapes.

Wilhelmson married Albertina (Berta) Kerfstedt, a painter and drawing teacher, in 1901. A talented artist in her own right, Berta studied in both Sweden and Paris, even learning under the renowned Swedish artist Anders Zorn. Together, the couple shared a deep connection to art, and after Carl’s death in 1928, Berta inherited part of his collection, including "Dancing Couple". She cherished his legacy until her passing in 1965.

Charles Bouchez (1811-1882) French

A Soldier Blowing the Trumpet

oil on canvas
signed and dated ch. Bouchez 1842
canvas dimensions 6.29 x 4.13 inches (16 x 10.5 cm)
frame 10.23 x 7.87 inches (26 x 20 cm)

Provenance:
A Swedish Private Collection

Charles Cardale Luck (1875-1954) Swedish

Winter Twilight

oil on board
signed C.C Luck
board dimensions 38 x 45.5 cm
frame 48.5 x 56.5 cm

Provenance: 
From a Swedish private collection 

Essay:
We are delighted to present a painting by the artist Charles Cardale Luck, titled "Winter Twilight." Luck, a Swedish artist, had a diverse background, having lived in various countries including France and England, where he became associated with the Cornwall art movement.

Charles Cardale Lucks paintings are rarely seen in the art market. The present painting captures the ethereal beauty of twilight, with its soft light permeating the scene. The artist's masterful use of short, almost Pointillist brushstrokes in shades of blue, white, and purple creates mesmerizing reflections on the snow-covered landscape. One intriguing aspect of this piece is Luck's ingenious technique of carving undulations into the sky and trees using the back of the brush, reminiscent of the technique pioneered by Rembrandt. This adds a sense of drama and vitality to the overall composition, enhancing the viewer's experience.

It is worth noting that Charles Cardale Luck concluded his artistic journey in Kenya, Africa, a testament to his global exploration and artistic inspiration.

Charlotte Wahlström (1849-1924) Sweden

Haystack, c. 1895

oil on a Swedish wood panel
signed Charlotte Wahlström
unframed 22.7 x 14.7 cm (8.93 x 5.78 inches)
framed 30 x 22 cm (11.81 x 8.66 inches)

Provenance:
A Swedish private collection

Essay:
We are proud to showcase a captivating painting by Charlotte Wahlström, a petite yet enthralling painting measuring just 22.7 x 14.7 cm. The subject depicts a haystack situated on a meadow, close to a log cabin. Illuminated by warm sunlight, the haystack is brought to life with broad, thick brushstrokes, under a clear blue sky. The technique used is distinctly impressionistic, reminiscent of the style that was prominent during that period.

Created around 1895, this piece emerges a few years after Claude Monet's renowned series of haystacks which, like ours, often portrayed the exquisite lighting highlighting the stacks. It's intriguing to speculate if Monet's work influenced Wahlström's interpretation, given the similarities in the light portrayal.

(Claude Monet, Wheatstacks (detail), 1890–91. Collection Art Institute of Chicago, W1269)

Born as the daughter of builder Anders Wahlström and Carolina Setterberg, Charlotte was the niece of the city architect of Vasa, Carl Axel Setterberg. Wahlström embarked on her artistic journey at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm from 1878 to 1883, where she was honored with a royal medal in landscape painting in 1883. Post her time in Stockholm, she traveled to Paris and Brittany in 1885, subsequently venturing to Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium on scholarship funds. By 1889, she had spent time in the artist colony of Barbizon.

Her accomplishments are numerous. She was awarded a bronze medal at the World's Fair in Saint Louis, USA, in 1904 and received the Idun magazine prize in 1911. She participated in exhibitions held by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, as well as numerous collective exhibitions organized by the General Art Association of Sweden, Swedish Artists' Association, and the Association of Swedish Female Artists. She was represented in the Baltic Exhibition and several exhibitions in Copenhagen and Munich. Her paintings, often characterized by outstanding coloristic landscapes, frequently featured scenes from Skåne, Värmland, Dalarna, and the West Coast.

Today, Wahlström's legacy can be witnessed in various esteemed institutions including the Göteborg Art Museum, National Museum in Stockholm, Östergötland Museum, Malmö Museum, the County Museum in Östersund, and Örebro County Museum.

Comparable sale:


A larger painting (81x49 cm) with a similar motif was sold at Stockholms Auktionsverk in 2019, fetching a total price of 6000 €.