Clara Löfgren - Water Lilies, 1893

Clara Löfgren (1843-1923) Sweden

Water Lilies, 1893
(Näckrosor, 1893)

oil on wood panel
signed and dated Clara Löfgren 93
with frame 38.5 x 42 (15.16 x 16.54 inches)
visible image 25 x 28.5 (9.84 x 11.22 inches)

Condition: 
The painting is in a very good condition. The colors are bright, and it is overall in very good shape. It is accompanied by a handcrafted frame made by Stockholms Förgyllning och Bildhuggeri, one of Europe’s foremost frame makers.

Essay:
The painting "Water Lilies" (1893) by Clara Löfgren presents a serene and detailed portrayal of a pond with water lilies floating on the surface, surrounded by lush vegetation. This artwork, likely painted in Paris, stands out in her oeuvre, as Löfgren was primarily known for her portrait and genre paintings. Here, however, she explores the water lilies theme, focusing on a subject that famous artists such as Claude Monet and Albert Edelfelt would become fascinated with just a few years later.

Albert Edelfelt "Water Lilies, 1896", Ateneum Museum.

In 1897, Monet began his famous series of Water Lilies—which would eventually comprise around 250 works on the theme. Löfgren’s depiction is strikingly atmospheric, capturing the calm and reflective nature of the pond, and offering a sense of intimacy with the untouched natural world. Her attention to detail, with soft ripples, delicate blooms, and muted green tones, adds a sense of realism to the scene.

Clara Löfgren was trained at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts from 1870-1875, where she garnered praise and awards for her skill. Though primarily known for her portraits, such as those of Princess Eugénie, Crown Prince Gustaf, and Prince Oscar Bernadotte, she occasionally ventured into other genres such as still lifes and landscapes, as seen in Water Lilies.

Her studies in Paris and Munich and her frequent participation in exhibitions—both in Sweden and internationally—reflect her dedication to her craft. She showcased her work in places like the Nordic Art Exhibition in Copenhagen in 1883 and at the Salon de Paris in 1882 and 1885. Today, her works are represented in prestigious collections, including Nationalmuseum and Norrköping Art Museum.