Ivan Bergdahl - Sunny October Day, Abisko

Ivan Bergdahl (1929-2021) Sweden

Sunny October Day, Abisko

oil on masonite
unframed: 21 x 45 cm (ca 8.27 x 17.72 inches)
framed: 31 x 55 cm (ca 12.20 x 21.65 inches)
signed Ivan Bergdahl

Essay:
Ivan Bergdahl, born in 1929 in Säbrå, is a celebrated Swedish artist renowned for his evocative landscape paintings that capture the stunning natural beauty of Sweden. His work, often inspired by the landscapes of northern Sweden, showcases his ability to depict the vibrant interplay of light and color in nature.

Sunny October Day, Abisko is a beautiful representation of his work from the early 1960s. This painting reflects the influence of Helmer Osslund, a master of Swedish landscape painting known for his vivid and expressive depictions of the northern Swedish wilderness. The use of bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes in Bergdahl’s painting pays homage to Osslund’s style, while also highlighting Bergdahl’s unique artistic vision.

The scene captures a serene autumn day in Abisko, a village in the far north of Sweden, situated in the  Sápmi region. Abisko is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, including the majestic Abisko National Park, which is famous for its clear skies, rugged mountains, and vibrant fall colors. In this painting, Bergdahl masterfully portrays the rich autumnal hues and the tranquil waters, with the bright blue lake set against the warm tones of the surrounding landscape. The painting conveys a sense of peace and the timeless beauty of Abisko's nature.