Julia Beck - Starry Night, Normandy

Julia Beck (1853-1935) Sweden

Starry Night, Normandy 1911
(Stjärnklar natt, Normandie 1911)

signed and dated Julia Beck 1911
oil on canvas
canvas dimensions: 83.5 cm x 23.5 cm (32.87 x 9.25 inches)
frame dimensions: 99 cm x 40 cm (38.98 x 15.75 inches)

Provenance: 
A private collection Sweden;
Bukowskis, Important Spring Sale 601, lot nr 387;
A private collection USA

Essay: 

The Pioneering Spirit of Julia Beck:
Unveiling "Starry Night, Normandy 1911"

We are delighted to offer a remarkable painting by Swedish artist, Julia Beck (1853-1935), a woman who defied the conventions of her time to carve a niche for herself in the male-dominated world of art.

Julia Beck: A Trailblazer in Art

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1853, Julia Beck was not only one of the few female artists of her era, but she was also one of the most talented and innovative. She trained at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, where she honed her skills in painting and drawing. Her work was characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, a delicate and refined color palette, and an ability to capture the subtleties of light and shadow. Beck's landscapes, in particular, were highly regarded for their evocative and poetic quality.

Breaking Gender Barriers

In an era when women artists were often overlooked or dismissed, Beck's talent and determination enabled her to gain recognition and respect in the art world. She was a member of several art societies and exhibited her work in numerous exhibitions, both in Sweden and abroad. Despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, Beck's dedication to her craft and her unique artistic voice made her an important figure.

"Starry Night, Normandy 1911"

One of Beck's captivating works is "Starry Night, Normandy 1911," an oil on canvas painting with the unusual dimensions of 83.5 cm x 23.5 cm (32.87 inches x 9.25 inches). The elongated canvas draws the viewer into a mesmerizing night scene in Normandy, a region famous for its scenic landscapes. A house at the center of the painting radiates a strong, warm light, which reflects in a narrow stream winding its way through the foreground. The trees, devoid of leaves, bend and twist as if dancing in the night, forming intricate patterns against the star-studded sky.

The Magic of the Night

Beck's mastery of light and shadow is evident in this painting. The light emanating from the house and its reflection in the stream contrast sharply with the dark silhouettes of the trees, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and dark. The painting exudes a sense of solitude and contemplation, evoking feelings of introspection and awe in the face of nature's grandeur.

Julia Beck, from the Swedish Portrait Gallery