Carl Wilhelmson - Kattarafjäll, Motif from Riksgränsen, 1918
Regular price €0CARL WILHELMSON (SVERIGE, 1866-1928) SWEDEN
KATTARAFJÄLL, MOTIF FROM RIKSGRÄNSEN, 1918
signed C.Wilhelmson
painted 1918
unframed: 65.5 x 89 cm (25 3/4 x 35 in)
framed: 82.5 x 106 cm (32 1/2 x 41 3/4 in)
Exhibited:
Gothenburg, 1921.
Liljevalchs Konsthall, Stockholm, "November Exhibition", November 4–26, 1922, cat. no. 535.
Literature:
Listed in the artist’s own handwritten inventory under the year 1918 as No. 424.
Axel L. Romdahl, "Carl Wilhelmson", SAK, 1938, listed in the catalog under the year 1918 as No. 594.
Essay:
This striking and vividly colored landscape painting by Carl Wilhelmson captures the powerful beauty of northern Sweden’s mountains at the border with Norway. Painted in 1918, Wilhelmson referred to this remote and grandiose region as Kattarafjäll. The composition is alive with vibrant hues, depicting the vast wilderness in a way that conveys both its majesty and atmospheric depth. His dynamic brushwork and rich palette lend a timeless vitality to the scene, making this work a remarkable example of his artistry.
Wilhelmson’s connection to the landscapes of the north was further highlighted in the exhibition Norrland i konsten, held during Skellefteå’s Jubilee Exhibition in 1945. Art critic Hans Beskow reflected on a variant of Kattarafjäll, noting how "the wonderful freshness of the mountain world streams toward the viewer." He concluded that this single canvas alone secures Wilhelmson’s rightful place among the foremost painters of Norrland’s dramatic scenery.
Carl Wilhelmson (1866–1928) holds a central position in Swedish art history, celebrated for his distinctive approach to landscape painting and his depictions of Swedish rural life. Born in Fiskebäckskil on the west coast, Wilhelmson was deeply influenced by his upbringing in a maritime environment. He studied at the Slöjdföreningens skola in Gothenburg and later at the Académie Julian in Paris, where he absorbed international influences while maintaining a strong connection to Swedish artistic traditions.
As a painter, Wilhelmson is renowned for his ability to capture the raw beauty of Sweden’s landscapes with bold colors and an expressive yet structured composition. His works often evoke a deep sense of place, reflecting the resilience and character of the people and environments he portrayed. Though he is often associated with his depictions of Bohuslän’s rugged coastline, his travels to Norrland expanded his artistic scope. Paintings like Kattarafjäll, Motif from Riksgränsen illustrate his fascination with the grandeur of the Swedish wilderness, highlighting his mastery in portraying atmosphere and light.
Beyond his contributions as a painter, Wilhelmson played a vital role as an educator. As a professor and later director at Valand Academy in Gothenburg, he mentored a generation of Swedish artists, shaping the future of Swedish painting. His influence extended beyond the classroom, as his work bridged the gap between national romanticism and modernist tendencies, securing his legacy as one of Sweden’s foremost painters of the early 20th century.
A rare and exceptional work, Kattarafjäll stands as a testament to Wilhelmson’s ability to capture the soul of Sweden’s landscapes, cementing his place as a key figure in Swedish art history.
Comparable sales:
Compare this with a similar painting sold at Bukowskis in 2006, "Kattarafjällen",
62.5 x 86 cm, lot 151, 165,000 SEK incl. fees.
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