Ture Ander - A Blossoming Apple Tree Branch

Ture Ander (1881-1959) Sweden

A Blossoming Apple Tree Branch

signed Ture Ander
oil on canvas
gilded hand made oak fram included
canvas dimensions 56 x 42.5 cm (22 x 16.7 inches)
frame dimensions 70 x 57 cm (27.6 x 22.4 inches)

Essay:
We are delighted to offer this painting by Ture Ander (1881-1959), a Rackstagruppen artist, also known as the Racken Group. This oil on canvas depicts a detailed view of an apple tree in full bloom, with branches laden with flowers. The painting is a riot of colors, with branches in tones of lilac, dark brown, and deep blue, and blossoms in white, pink, and green, all set against a partially blue background. It is a stunning piece that brings immediate joy to the viewer, evoking memories of spring. The artwork comes with a handcrafted oak frame, gilded in gold by Stockholms Bildhuggeri.

The Racksta Group, named after the village of Rackstad which eventually became home to many of the artists, originated in the late 19th century when the first artists of the colony arrived in 1898. According to the Rackstad Museum, the meeting of their modern ideas and the established craftsmanship in Arvika created a melting pot for art and craft, thanks to collaboration and community. While the artists around Racken did not identify as a distinct group and rejected grand common ideals and manifestos, their shared belief in the vitality of art is evident in their work. This belief set them apart from movements like William Morris's Arts & Crafts, even though many colony members shared similar ideas. Their collaborative work in various materials and techniques, their resistance to the norms separating art from craft, and their belief in handcrafted objects made the Rackstad colony a unique oasis for Swedish Arts & Crafts for several decades.

Ture Ander was a part of this innovative group of artists, whose work often depicted everyday scenes and landscapes with a fresh and impactful approach. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about Ander's life and work, but his affiliation with the Racksta Group places him in a tradition of artists dedicated to the craft and inspired by the world around them.

This particular painting by Ture Ander is more than just a depiction of nature; it is a celebration of life and the world's beauty. The vibrant colors and detailed brushwork not only capture the visual splendor of the apple tree in bloom but also evoke feelings of hope and optimism associated with spring. It is a reminder of the transient beauty of nature and an invitation to appreciate the present moment. Owning this piece provides an opportunity to possess not only a visually stunning piece of art but also a piece of Swedish art history, reflecting Ture Ander's talent and the innovative spirit of the Racksta Group.

Provenance:
A private collection, Värmland.