Ture Ander - Lakeside Reflections, Värmland

Ture Ander (1881-1959) Sweden

Lakeside Reflections, Värmland

oil on board
signed and dated Ture Ander 1945
unframed 33 x 48.5 cm (13.00 x 19.09 tum)
framed 49.5 x 64.5 cm (19.49 x 25.39 tum)

Provenance:
Architect Ludvig Mattsson (1888-1960), Arvika;
Thence by descent until we acquired it in 2024. 

Essay:
This impressionistic landscape painting by Ture Ander, a distinguished member of the Rackstad group, captures the tranquil beauty of a serene lake. The still waters mirror the surrounding foliage and sky, creating a captivating interplay of light and reflections.

The Artist: Ture Ander (1881-1959)

Ture Ander, Also known as "Blomstermålaren" (The Flower Painter), was born on September 17, 1881, in Asker, Örebro County, and passed away on February 4, 1959, in Arvika, Värmland. Initially trained in the craft of painting, Ander pursued formal art education at the Technical School in Stockholm from 1898 to 1903. He further honed his skills at the Artist’s Association School between 1905 and 1908 and at the Académie Colarossi in Paris during 1911-1912. Here, he was significantly influenced by Paul Cézanne and other Impressionists.

Ture Ander’s early work often reflects a delicate, impressionistic approach, which can be seen in this lakeside painting. The composition’s vibrant yet harmonious color palette and the meticulous brushwork convey a sense of calm and timeless beauty. This piece is believed to date back to around 1920, aligning with the period when Ander’s style was characterized by such impressionistic techniques.

Rackstad Group Connection

In 1921, Ander relocated to Arvika and became associated with the Rackstad group, a collective of artists inspired by the picturesque environment around Lake Racken in Värmland. Influenced by his contemporaries and the serene landscapes of the region, Ander’s works from this period often depict the natural beauty of Värmland, though he is best known for his floral still lifes.

This particular painting likely captures a scene from the surroundings of Arvika, rendered in soft, diffused light typical of his impressionistic period. The reflections in the water, the gentle contours of the hills, and the autumnal hues of the foliage exemplify his skill in portraying the subtleties of natural light and landscape.