Pelle Malmborg - Skälderviken at Sunset, 1916

Pelle Malmborg (1869-1953) Sweden

Skälderviken at Sunset, 1916

oil on canvas
signed and dated Pelle Malmborg 1916
unframed 72 x 143 cm 
framed 88 x 158 cm

Essay:
The painting "Skälderviken at Sunset" by Pelle Malmborg, a renowned Swedish painter and graphic artist, is an exquisite depiction of serenity and natural splendor. He studied at the Technical School in Stockholm and later at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts from 1888 to 1892, with further studies following a Parisian sojourn between 1893 and 1895.

Malmborg's work ranged from theatre decorations to illustrations for " Strix " magazine to evocative paintings and portraits. His circle included prominent figures like Albert Engström, Alfred Bergström, and Olle Hjortzberg, reflecting a vibrant artistic milieu of the time. His relocation to Gränna marked a period of prolific output, unswayed by modern trends, focusing on landscapes, figure compositions, and an extensive array of portraits. He is notably featured at the National Museum in Stockholm.

"Skälderviken at Sunset," painted in 1916, is a large-scale piece, measuring 88 x 158 cm with frame. Its provenance is that the artist donated it directly to a Swedish family that has treasured it ever since. The scene captures the tranquil beauty of Skälderviken, a once deserted shoreland at Rönne River's outlet into the Skälderviken bay, part of the Engeltofta estate in Barkåkra parish.

The area's transformation from a desolate land into a bustling community began in the mid-19th century with the establishment of "Engelholms hamn." This harborside area, once a home to the construction workers of the harbor, became a site of burgeoning building activity through the 1850s and 1860s, eventually attracting wealthy individuals for summer recreation, leading to a proliferation of distinctive summer villas.

By the late 19th century, Skälderviken emerged as a lively seaside resort, with improved connections to Engelholm via steamboats and the Skåne–Halland Railway, further boosting its profile as a sought-after destination.

The painting, with its soft hues and strong light, encapsulates the historical essence and the picturesque beauty of Skälderviken. It is a testament to Malmborg's mastery of capturing the ephemeral moments of nature, offering viewers a window into the idyllic past of this enchanting Swedish place.