Per Wickenberg - Winter landscape with children playing on the ice

Per (Pehr) Wickenberg (1812-1846) Swedish

Dutch Winter landscape with children playing on the ice

oil on relined canvas
signed and dated P.Wickenberg 1839
gold frame with patina included
canvas dimensions 51.5 x 70.5 cm (20.27 x 27.75 inches)
frame 69.5 x 88 cm (27.36 x 34.64 inches) 

Essay:
Per Wickenberg, was a Swedish maestro of the brush who left an indelible mark on the world despite his brief life, truncated by tuberculosis at the age of 34. A prodigy who dedicated over two decades to his craft, Wickenberg's journey began at the Royal Academy of Art in Stockholm. His ambition took him beyond the familiar landscapes of Sweden to the artistic epicenter of Paris in 1837, where recognition and acclaim awaited him. His depictions of the Nordic chill won him gold medals at the prestigious Salon de Paris consecutively in 1838 for "Nordiskt vinterlandskap" and in 1839 for "Vinterfiske."

Empowered by a scholarship from his homeland, Wickenberg ventured through Belgium and the Netherlands, where he further honed his skill and perspective. The painting we present is a product of this period, a testament to his success and his exceptional ability to evoke the stark beauty of winter. Every detail is rendered with extraordinary care—the children on the ice, a sledge heaped with hay, and a solitary skater in the distance, lending depth and vivacity to the scene. This painting is not merely a visual treat; it is an homage to a visionary artist's lifelong devotion to capturing the essence of his environment. It is our privilege to offer this exquisite piece, a slice of Wickenberg's enduring legacy.
Artist: Per (Pehr) Wickenberg (1812-1846) Swedish

Condition: 
Overall good condition, bright and clear colors. 
There are some old retouching in some areas (please contact for UV images)

Provenance: 
AAG Auctions, Amsterdam, nov 2015, lot 29;
A Swedish private collection