Erik Tryggelin - Vadstena Town Hall

Erik Tryggelin (1878-1962) Swedish

Vadstena Town Hall, 1954

oil on canvas laid on masonite board
signed and dated E.Tryggelin 19-21/9 1954
unframed 10.5 x 16 cm
framed 19.5 x 25 cm

Provenance: 
A Swedish private collection 

Essay:

This enchanting painting by Erik Tryggelin, dated September 19 and 21, 1954, captures the historic Rådhuset (Town Hall) in Vadstena, notably the oldest town hall in Sweden. Today, this iconic building houses the Rådhuskällaren restaurant. Tryggelin, born in 1878 in Stockholm, was a dedicated practitioner of Realism and Impressionism throughout his career, despite the burgeoning of modern movements like Expressionism and Cubism during his studies at the Royal Swedish Academy of Art and the Académie Colarossi in Paris.

In this particular work, Tryggelin brings to life the venerable architecture of Vadstena's Rådhuset with a lively depiction of a torchlight procession featuring small figures holding red banners in front of the building. The exact reason for this event remains a mystery, adding an element of intrigue to the scene. The painter's signature style—characterized by an idyllic, atmospheric quality and a mastery of northern light—imbues the painting with a sense of timelessness and an appreciation for the historical narrative of the locale.

Tryggelin's oeuvre primarily includes scenes from Stockholm and its archipelago, as well as Vadstena, portraying the serene beauty of these places. A critic once referred to him as 'the forgotten idyllic painter,' a testament to the tranquil yet profound impact of his works. His paintings, along with his photography, provide a precious documentation of Swedish life from the late 19th to the early 20th century, found in archives such as the Nordiska Museum and Stockholm City Museum.
Also, the National Museum in Stockholm has a collection of over 60 works by Erik Tryggelin.