NILS KREUGER - A TEAM OF HORSES

NILS KREUGER (1858-1930) SWEDEN

A TEAM OF HORSES

pastel crayon, paper
paper 8.7 x 13 cm
frame 18 x 22 cm

Provenance: 
The artist;
Gifted to the artist's sister, Elisabeth Gustafva Kreuger;
Passed down to her daughter, Rut Elin Moren Lindell;
Inherited by her son, Bo Lindell (1831-2012);
Subsequently passed to his son, Ulf Lindell (born 1956).

Essay:
This pastel drawing by Nils Kreuger, dating from 1905, presents an intimate moment between two horses that appear to be embracing each other. The use of pastel chalks is confident, imbuing the scene with a soft yet vibrant energy that reflects the artist's masterful handling of the medium. The gentle interplay of colors and the delicate rendering capture a moment of connection between the animals, set against a landscape that suggests the harmony of nature.

Nils Kreuger, born on October 11, 1858, in Kalmar, Sweden, and deceased on May 11, 1930, in Stockholm, was a notable Swedish painter whose work bridged the transition from the influences of French plein air painting to the national romanticism and symbolism that characterized his later work. After studying at the Stockholm Academy of Arts and in Paris under Jean-Paul Laurens, Kreuger's artistic expression was significantly shaped by his experiences abroad and his involvement with the Grez-sur-Loing artist colony. His return to Sweden in the late 19th century marked a pivotal shift in his work towards embodying the essence of the Swedish landscape and rural life, often featuring livestock as a central element.

Kreuger was a founding member of the Varberg School, along with Richard Bergh and Karl Nordström, emphasizing the national romantic style that celebrated the Swedish countryside. His technique, particularly noted for its use of tusch dots and strokes to articulate the forms and emotional depth of his subjects, evolved under the influence of Vincent van Gogh. However, Kreuger developed a distinct style that emphasized form and decoration over expressive intensity. His works, characterized by a sense of calm and a deep connection to the Swedish landscape, are celebrated in major museums and collections both in Sweden and internationally.