Arthur Percy - Scandinavian Winter Landscape, 1907

Arthur Percy (1886-1976) Sweden 

Scandinavian Winter Landscape, 1907

oil on canvas
signed and dated A.Carlson-Percy 07
canvas dimensions 33.5 x 51.5 cm
frame 44.5 x 62 cm

Inscription on a board that the canvas was previous mounted on:Vy över gamla kyrkan, sedd från "Villa Bo" (today mounted on a new canvas stretcher without the board) 

Essay:
Introducing "Scandinavian Winter Landscape, 1907" a mesmerizing painting by the artist Arthur Percy Carlsson, later known as Arthur C:son Percy (1886-1976). Born in Vickleby, Öland, Percy's artistic journey was one defined by unwavering determination and exceptional talent.

This landscape painting presents a winter landscape, likely set during the early spring season. The canvas portrays a vast, snow-filled meadow, blanketed in pristine white. Above, the sky comes alive in a captivating pointillist style, with hues of blue, turquoise, and yellow forming delicate, scattered dots, while small clouds grace the horizon.

The scene unfolds with an enchanting backdrop of a distant forest, its trees adorned with a touch of winter's charm. Between the enchanting forest and the expansive meadow, a few humble houses grace the canvas. An inscription on the back suggests that these charming structures could be old church buildings, adding an intriguing historical dimension to the artwork. The inscription reads "Vy över gamla kyrkan, sedd från 'Villa Bo'," translating to "View of the old church, seen from 'Villa Bo'."

Painted with meticulous attention to detail and a captivating use of colors, this artwork transports viewers into a serene world of tranquility and beauty. The warm, subtle glow of the spring light envelops the landscape, evoking a sense of calm and wonder, as if capturing a fleeting moment of natural grace.

Beyond the captivating painting, the artist Arthur Percy, was a prodigious talent who left an indelible mark on both the world of fine arts and design. At the age of 17, Percy began his artistic journey as an assistant to a decorative painter in Stockholm. Despite facing financial constraints, his passion and talent earned him a place at the esteemed Konstnärsförbundets skola (Artists' Association School).

Percy's artistic pursuits continued to blossom, and he became an integral part of the influential artist group "De unga" or "1909 års män," whose groundbreaking 1909 exhibition marked a significant step towards Swedish modernism. Eager to expand his artistic horizons, Percy and some of his fellow students embarked on a journey to Paris in 1908, where they were immersed in a vibrant art scene, encountering renowned masters such as Henri Matisse, Gauguin, Bracque, and Picasso. The late Cezanne also served as a significant source of inspiration for Percy.

While his accomplishments in design were commendable, Arthur Percy always considered himself first and foremost a painter. He ardently devoted the majority of his time to his passion for the fine arts, producing many work that captured the essence of nature and the spirit of his time.

This painting "Scandinavian Winter Landscape, 1907," serves as a testament to Arthur Percy's extraordinary talent and artistic vision. Its enchanting portrayal of a winter wonderland perfectly encapsulates the essence of his artistic prowess.

Provenance: 
A private collection Linköping, Sweden.