Nils Forsberg - Oil Sketch for the Painting "Death of a Hero", c. 1885-88

Nils Forsberg (1842-1934) Sweden

Oil Sketch for the Painting "Death of a Hero", c. 1885-88

oil on wood panel
stamp signed
unframed 32.5 x 41 cm
framed 42 x 50 cm

Provenance: 
Sold through Nils Forsberg's estate.

Essay:
The artwork presented here is an oil sketch by the Swedish painter Nils Forsberg, a study for his famous painting "Death of a Hero, 1888", today in Nationalmuseum Stockholm art collection. The final panting earning him the gold medal at the Salon in Paris.
The sketch is an intimate glimpse into Forsberg's meticulous process and the raw emotion that underpins the final painting.

"Death of a Hero" is a narrative frozen in time, inspired by the harrowing experiences and sights Forsberg encountered during the Franco-Prussian War. Depicted is a man kneeling and leaning over the bed of a deceased hero, encapsulating the ultimate sacrifice and the weight of loss in war. Forsberg's study is divided into three sections, each elaborating on the theme and adding depth to the narrative, allowing the viewer to witness the evolution of the motif.

Born in Riseberga, Scania, on 17 December 1842, Nils Forsberg's journey from a peasant's son to a Parisian artist is a story of determination and passion. His early life, marked by farming and an apprenticeship in house painting, eventually led him to Paris in 1867, thanks to a government stipend. Studying under Léon Bonnat, Forsberg honed his craft, later contributing significantly to historical painting with a focus on realism and social commentary.

The oil sketch here for sale is not just an artwork but a piece of history, offering insights into Forsberg's creative process. 

Death of a Hero 1888, Nationalmuseum Stockholm