Olof Arborelius - Farmstead in Dalarna, 1864

Olof Arborelius (1842–1915) Sweden

Farmstead in Dalarna, 1864

signed with monogram OA and dated “Arb-s 64” inscribed into the wet paint, with the estate’s stamp "OA" on the back.
oil on paper mounted on board
unframed 22.5 x 41.5 cm (8.9 x 16.3 inches)
framed 29.5 x 49 cm (11.6 x 19.3 inches)

Provenance:
Artist’s estate; Erik Thorwald Arborelius (1883–1974), the artist’s son; Mrs. Karin Dahlbom, Stockholm; A private collection. 

Condition:
Very good, recently restored by professional art conservator in Stockholm. 

Exhibited:
Nationalmuseum, Stockholm, Olof Arborelius Memorial Exhibition, February 10–March 10, 1943, catalog number 141, exhibited as Farmstead in Dalarna (22 x 37 cm), lent by Mrs. Karin Dahlbom.

Essay:
This oil study was painted en plein air, a technique evident from the pinholes in all four corners of the paper, indicating that it was likely painted outdoor. The composition captures a quintessential Dalarna landscape, with a traditional farmstead surrounded by open fields and distant forested hills. The soft, atmospheric rendering of light and shadow demonstrates Arborelius’ masterful ability to portray the mood and essence of the Scandinavian countryside.

The painting dates to 1864, a period when Arborelius regularly embarked on summer journeys through northern Dalarna, producing numerous oil sketches directly from nature. During this time, he ventured into the remote regions of Särna, where he documented his impressions of the landscape, the local architecture, and the lives of the inhabitants. These sketches served as a foundation for many of his larger works, which often depicted scenes that were unfamiliar and exotic to the wider Swedish public.

About the Artist
Olof Arborelius studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm between 1860 and 1865. His artistic development was significantly influenced by Johan Fredrik Höckert, who introduced him to plein air techniques during a stay at the Arborelius family’s parsonage in Orsa in 1858. Encouraged by this mentorship and inspired by artists like Per Daniel Holm, Arborelius began his exploratory painting trips into the Swedish countryside, creating works that celebrated the untouched beauty of Dalarna and the surrounding areas.

Throughout his career, Arborelius’ oil studies were distinguished by their intimate scale and impressionistic treatment of light and atmosphere. Later in life, he spent time in Italy (1870–1872), where his plein air technique reached new heights, earning praise for his sensitive use of color and nuanced depictions of Mediterranean light.

Dalarna remained a central theme in Arborelius’ work, with its rustic charm and majestic landscapes becoming a recurring source of inspiration. His art not only celebrated the natural beauty of this region but also played a vital role in popularizing its unique cultural heritage in the 19th century.