Herman Österlund - Ocean View from the West Coast, 1916

Herman Österlund (1873-1964) Sweden

Ocean View from the West Coast, 1916

oil on canvas
signed and dated Herman Österlund 1916
canvas dimensions 14.37 x 16.73 inches (36.5 x 42.5 cm)
frame 18.30 x 20.86 inches (46.5 x 53 cm)

Provenance: 
A Swedish private collection

Herman Österlund was a renowned Swedish artist celebrated for his exquisite portrayals of the picturesque west coast of Sweden. In 1896, he relocated to Stockholm and successfully passed the entrance exam for the Royal Academy. During this period, he shared a studio with Otto Hesselbom in Stockholm, forging a strong friendship. After completing three years of intensive study, Österlund felt compelled to return to the captivating landscapes of the west coast. Initially, he resided in Löberöd, Skåne, until 1905, while embarking on numerous journeys abroad with fellow artists such as Karl Isakson, exploring the vibrant art scenes of Italy, Paris, and Spain.

In 1909, Österlund settled in Malmö, and from 1913 onwards, he rented a summer studio in Kämpinge, eventually relocating to Arild. Our painting, titled "Ocean View from the West Coast," is likely a depiction of the captivating surroundings near Kämpinge. The artwork captures a serene seascape, expertly painted with a delicate color palette. Österlund masterfully achieves a harmonious balance, providing an almost abstract essence—not too much and not too little. That's one of the most challenging tasks for an artist , and Österlund accomplishes it with remarkable brilliance.