Ferdinand Fagerlin - The Old Stone Stairway

Ferdinand Fagerlin (1825-1907) Sweden

The Old Stone Stairway

oil on board
signed Ferd Fagerlin
unframed 24 x 18 cm

Provenance: 
A Swedish private collection.

Essay:
This oil painting called The Old Stone Stairway by Ferdinand Fagerlin offers an intimate glimpse into a quiet interior space, where the stillness of the scene is punctuated by the soft daylight filtering through a window. Measuring a modest 24 x 18 cm, the painting captures the subtle play of light on the staircase and walls, evoking a serene atmosphere.

Ferdinand Fagerlin was born in 1825 in Stockholm and passed away in 1907 in Düsseldorf. He was a notable Swedish artist. His genre paintings often depicted Dutch fishermen, but he was also renowned for his dramatic portrayals of people and interiors. Typically associated with the Düsseldorf school of painting, Fagerlin's journey in art began as a shipbuilder's apprentice before he transitioned to studying at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. His military service was followed by further artistic development in Düsseldorf and Paris under the mentorship of Thomas Couture. Fagerlin settled in Düsseldorf, where he cultivated his craft and reputation. His legacy is enshrined in several prestigious institutions, including Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Kalmar Art Museum, Norrköping's Art Museum, and Gothenburg's Art Museum. This piece reflects Fagerlin's keen eye for detail and his ability to convey emotion through the depiction of everyday scenes.