Georg Stoopendaal - Christmas Sheaf With Birds

Georg Stoopendaal (1866-1953) Sweden

Christmas Sheaf With Birds

oil on canvas
signed G.Stoopendaal
unframed: 60.5 x 38.5 cm (23.8 x 15.2 inches)
framed: 76 x 54 cm (29.9 x 21.3 inches)

Essay:
This painting, created by the Swedish artist Georg Stoopendaal (1866–1953), captures a cherished Nordic tradition: a "julkärve" or Christmas sheaf. The sheaf, made of grain and hung outdoors, serves as a festive offering to birds during the cold winter months. This practice symbolizes generosity and respect for nature, inviting various bird species to gather and feast.

In this delightful scene, Stoopendaal depicts several recognizable birds of the Swedish winter landscape. Among them are the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula), with its bright red breast; the Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), adorned in blue and yellow; the larger Great Tit (Parus major), with its distinctive black cap; the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), a common bird with brown and gray plumage; the Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), notable for its vibrant red belly; and the Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), with its yellow head and chest.

Georg Stoopendaal was a self-taught artist, primarily known for his landscapes and still lifes. He was born in Jönköping, Sweden, and later settled in Hindås with his family. His works were widely published, including in the Ny illustrerad tidning and in the United States from 1893 to 1898. His art is represented in Sweden’s prestigious collections, such as the Nationalmuseum and the Gothenburg Museum of Art.

Christmas card by Georg Stoopendaal.

A prolific illustrator, Stoopendaal also illustrated several books and spent time in America, where he documented Native American cultures. His most sought-after paintings often feature working horses, reflecting his eye for detail and deep connection to rural life. He belonged to a notable family of artists—his wife, Anna, and brother Ferdinand were also painters, and Jenny Nyström, a beloved Swedish illustrator, was married to his brother Daniel.

Stoopendaal’s legacy continued through his son, Wilhelm, known as Mosse Stoopendaal, who became a renowned nature painter and was influenced by his father's work from an early age. This painting is a fine example of Stoopendaal's skill in capturing the harmony between human traditions and nature's beauty.