Hilding Werner - Stormy day in Finnskogen, 1906

Hilding Werner (1880-1944) Sweden

Stormy Day in Finnskogen, 1906
(Swedish title: Ovädersdag i Finnskogen, 1906)

ink drawing
unframed: 12 x 15 cm (4.72 x 5.91 inches)
framed: 22 x 24.5 cm (8.66 x 9.65 inches)
year: 1906-1907

Provenance: 
We acquired this ink drawing, along with several sketches, watercolors, and oil paintings, as part of a collection. It had previously been inherited within the artist's family.

Essay:

Hilding Werner's ink drawing "Stormy Day in Finnskogen" captures a dramatic moment in the historic region of Finnskogen, located in the counties of Värmland in Sweden and Innlandet in Norway. This sketch, dated July 1906, presents a vivid depiction of an impending storm, showcasing Werner's skill in conveying movement and atmosphere through expressive line work.

About the Motif:

Finnskogen, which translates to "Forest of the Finns," is a unique area rich in history due to the migration of Finnish people during the 17th century. These migrants, known as Skogfinner or "Forest Finns," established themselves in the dense forests, bringing with them their distinct cultural practices, including slash-and-burn agriculture (svedjebruk). The landscape of Finnskogen, characterized by its deep forests and historical significance, provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for Werner's work.

Historical Significance of Finnskogen:
The core area of Finnskogen is situated in the eastern part of Solør, adjacent to the Swedish border. This forested belt, approximately 32 kilometers wide, has been home to a blend of Swedish and Finnish cultures for centuries. The region's history includes periods of tension and integration, with Finnish settlers initially welcomed but later facing expulsion during the 1630s due to conflicts over agricultural practices. By the 20th century, the cultural integration was such that pure Finnish descent was rare, though Finnish place names and traditions persisted.

Since 2018, efforts have been underway to designate Finnskogen as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

About Hilding Werner:

Hilding Werner (1880-1944) was a Swedish painter and draughtsman, born in Millesviks socken, Värmland. After studying at Caleb Althin's art school in Stockholm and participating in the Konstnärsförbundet's second art school, Werner developed his distinctive style. His works range from romantic and realistic landscapes to caricatures, with a particular focus on the Värmland region. Despite not holding any solo exhibitions during his lifetime, Werner's contributions to art were celebrated posthumously, including a retrospective at the Värmlands museum in 1946.

Werner's connection to fellow artists like Gustaf Fjæstad and Bror Lindh influenced his work significantly. His landscape paintings often reflect a romantic and introspective view of nature, mirroring the emotive and atmospheric qualities seen in "Stormy Day in Finnskogen."

This drawing not only exemplifies Werner's artistic talent but also serves as a historical document, encapsulating the essence of Finnskogen during a stormy summer day over a century ago.