Alfred Bergström - Midsummer Night at Laduviken

Alfred Bergström (1869-1930) Sweden

Midsummer Night at Laduviken, 1893
(Midsommarnatt vid Laduviken, 1893)

watercolor
location is Laduviken (Norra Djurgården, Stockholm)
signed and dated Alf. Bergström 93
picture dimensions: 15.5 cm x 16.5 cm (6.10 x 6.50 inches)
frame dimensions: 26 cm x 27.5 cm (10.24 inches x 10.83 inches)

Provenance: 
1932, Marie Louise Lagerström, Sibyllegatan 79; 
thence private collection Stockholm

Exhibited: 
Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, Memorial Exhibition 1932.

Essay: 
We are thrilled to present a charming watercolor painting by the Swedish artist and professor, Alfred Bergström (1869-1930), titled 'Midsummer Night at Laduviken, 1893.' This small yet captivating piece, measuring 15.5 cm x 16.5 cm, was created during the summer of 1893 and depicts the picturesque Laduviken lake in Norra Djurgården, Stockholm.

The lower half of the painting features the lake's calm water, mirroring the sky and surrounding vegetation, including the seagrass that is also reflected on the water's surface. Despite being a nocturnal scene, the sky is illuminated in a soft yellow hue, characteristic of the Swedish midsummer nights when the sun does not fully set, casting a gentle light across the landscape. The forest in the background takes on a bluish tint, adding depth and contrast to the composition.

Alfred Bergström was a prominent Swedish painter and professor at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts. His artistic career spanned several decades, during which he gained recognition for his landscape paintings, portraits, and genre scenes. Bergström's work often reflects his deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Sweden, and this piece is no exception.

'Midsummer Night at Laduviken, 1893' was featured in Bergström's memorial exhibition at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in 1932. It comes beautifully framed in a newly crafted, handmade black frame from Stockholms Bildhuggeri, enhancing its presentation and ensuring its preservation for years to come.

This watercolor painting is not only a testament to Alfred Bergström's skill as an artist but also a tribute to the beauty of the Swedish landscape during one of its most magical times of the year. Its delicate rendering of light and reflection, combined with its historical significance and the inclusion of a finely crafted frame, make it a valuable addition to any art collection.