Carl Johansson - Landscape View, Nordingrå, 1915

Carl Johansson (1863-1944) Sweden

Landscape View, Nordingrå, 1915

oil on canvas
signed and dated Carl Johansson 1915
unframed 58 x 70 cm (22.8 x 27.6 inches)
framed 69 x 82 cm (27.2 x 32.3 inches)

Essay:
We are delighted to present a beautiful landscape by Carl Johansson (1863-1944), a piece that showcasing the breathtaking landscape of Nordingrå, part of the High Coast in Sweden. This area, known for its unique geology and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has inspired Johansson's creation, capturing the essence of the region's majestic beauty.

The painting features a meandering stream flowing through a vast landscape, flanked by sloping terrains on either side. In the background, the blue-hued mountains create a serene backdrop, harmonizing with Johansson's signature blue tones, a characteristic that earned him the nickname "Ultramarin Johansson." This artwork is a testament to Johansson's deep connection with the landscapes of Norrland, from where he drew many of his motifs.

Born in Härnösand, Carl Johansson's artistic talents were recognized early on by his drawing teacher, Conny Burman, at Klara Elementary School. His formal art education began at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in 1882, where he studied under Edvard Perséus and Per Daniel Holm. Johansson's career was marked by his affiliation with the Opponents movement in 1885, leading to his departure from the Academy.

Johansson's artistic journey included travels and studies in France, Tenerife, and Italy, reflected in the diverse landscapes featured in his works. He participated in several international exhibitions, including the World's Fair in Paris (1889), the Centennial Exhibition in Buenos Aires (1910), and the Panama Pacific International Exposition (1915). His first solo exhibition was held in 1933 at the Konstnärshuset in Stockholm, followed by several others, including a posthumous exhibition at Åmells art gallery in 1988.

Throughout his career, Johansson evolved from painting detailed landscapes in a traditional style to adopting a more impressionistic approach, influenced by French artists Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. His later works, marked by a notable blue tone, showcased his unique style, blending nationalistic sentiments with a photographic analytical approach.

This particular painting, "Landscape View, Nordingrå, 1915" painted in 1915, is a fine example of Johansson's impressionistic style and ultramarine color palette. It not only highlights Johansson's technical prowess and demanding standards in painting but also encapsulates his love for the landscapes of Norrland.

Carl Johansson's legacy continues to be celebrated, with his works displayed in prestigious institutions like the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Kalmar Art Museum, and Hudiksvall municipality.