Carl Gunne - Archipelago Landscape, 1945

Carl Gunne (1893-1979) Sweden

Archipelago Landscape, 1945

oil on canvas
signed and dated 
unframed: 38 x 94 cm (ca 14.96 x 37.01 inches)
framed: 54 x 100 cm (ca 21.26 x 39.37 inches)

Essay:
This captivating artwork by Carl Gunne, dated July 10, 1945, portrays a serene archipelago landscape. The painting, executed with a delicate blend of pastel hues, captures the essence of a tranquil sunset over a body of water. The distant islands, rendered in dark blues and purples, gently rise against the horizon, creating a subtle contrast with the soft, glowing sky above. The sky itself is a symphony of colors—warm oranges, soft pinks, and cool blues—melding seamlessly to convey the fading light of day. The water below mirrors these hues, enhancing the painting’s calm and reflective mood.

Gunne’s use of broad, sweeping brushstrokes and his sensitive treatment of light and color illustrate his deep understanding of the landscape’s tranquility and his ability to evoke a sense of peace and stillness. This piece is a testament to his skill in capturing the delicate interplay between land, water, and sky, typical of the Swedish archipelago.

About the Artist
Carl Mikael Gunne (September 29, 1893 – May 3, 1979) was a distinguished Swedish painter and a prominent figure in the art world, both as an artist and as a curator at Nationalmuseum in Stockholm. Born in Sundsvall to a builder and a painter, Gunne’s artistic path was influenced by his family’s creative background.

He pursued his academic studies at Uppsala University and also served as an attaché at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, his passion for art soon led him to Nationalmuseum, where he became a dedicated curator. From 1932 to 1937, he managed the museum's collection of modern paintings and sculptures, playing a crucial role in promoting contemporary art.

Gunne was instrumental in organizing several notable exhibitions, including those in Paris in 1927 and 1929. His expertise and dedication extended to compiling a comprehensive catalog of Nationalmuseum's painting collection in 1936. His artistic oeuvre includes vibrant cityscapes of Uppsala and Stockholm, as well as distinguished portraits of prominent figures like King Gustaf V and Jussi Björling.

Carl Gunne’s legacy endures in several prestigious collections, including Nationalmuseum, Waldemarsudde, and museums in Helsinki, Antwerp, and Budapest. His contributions to art were recognized when he was made a corresponding member of the Royal Academy of Letters, History, and Antiquities (KVHAA) in 1957. He passed away in 1979 and was laid to rest at Norra begravningsplatsen in Stockholm.