Ture Ander - The Tree by the Lake, Värmland

Ture Ander (1881-1959) Sweden

The Tree by the Lake, Värmland

oil on canvas
signed and dated 
unframed 69 x 64 cm (27.17 x 25.2 inches)

Provenance: 
A private collection, Karlstad, Sweden. 

Essay:
This painting by Ture Ander, created in 1917, depicts a serene landscape from Värmland, Sweden. At the center of the composition is a large tree, likely a deciduous species, as suggested by the hints of autumn seen in both the tree and the meadow below it. The short brushstrokes used to depict the leaves and grass evoke a sense of movement and texture, typical of the early 20th-century artistic style. Another beautiful detail is the bluish-tinted forested mountains in the background, creating a sense of depth and tranquility.

Ture Ander played a significant role in the Racken group (Rackstadkolonin), an important artistic collective in Sweden at the time. Ander was born on September 17 in Askers socken, Örebro. At the age of 13, he became an apprentice painter in Stockholm, attending evening classes at the Technical School (now known as Konstfack) while working during the day. He earned his journeyman’s certificate in 1902, and the following year, he graduated from the Technical School with the highest honors in painting. In 1905, he was accepted into the Konstnärsförbundets skola (School of the Artists' Association), where he studied alongside notable artists like Leander Engström, Isaac Grünewald, and Einar Nerman.

In 1909, Ture Ander participated in the renowned "De Unga" exhibition. He furthered his studies in Paris at the Académie Colarossi from 1911 to 1912, where he was deeply inspired by Cézanne. His time in Paris influenced his painting style and introduced new artistic techniques into his work.

Ture Ander married Ragnhild Franzén, who had trained with the Fjæstad sisters, prominent figures in Swedish arts and crafts. After a few years, the couple moved to Orrhöjda by Lake Racken, where they led a modest life. Ragnhild gathered berries and mushrooms, while Ture hunted and fished to support their family. The later years of Ture's life were marked by sorrow. Ragnhild passed away after a prolonged illness, a loss that deeply affected Ture and is reflected in the somber tone of his later works.