Victor Jernbergh - Evening Glow by the River, 1917

Victor Jernbergh (1882-1963) Sweden

Evening Glow by the River, 1917

pastel on paper
signed and dated V.Jernbergh -17
unframed 43 x 54 cm (16.93 x 21.26 inches)
framed 59.5 x 70.5 cm (23.43 x 27.76 inches)

Provenance: 
A Swedish private collection. 

Essay:

This evocative pastel painting by Victor Jernbergh, dated 1917, captures the serene and enchanting scene of a river at dusk. The central composition is dominated by a lone pine tree in the foreground, which creates a striking depth and leads the viewer's eye into the tranquil landscape beyond. The soft, fading light of twilight is beautifully rendered, casting a warm glow over the river and the surrounding hills, giving the entire scene a sense of calm and stillness.

The meticulous details and the rich texture of Jernbergh’s pastel strokes highlight his mastery in capturing the delicate interplay between light and nature. The interplay of shadows and the gentle, flowing lines of the river enhance the painting's dreamlike quality. This piece is a testament to Jernbergh’s ability to convey both the grandeur and the quiet intimacy of the natural world.

The Artist:
Victor Jernbergh (1882-1963) was a Swedish artist, draftsman, and graphic designer. Born on April 28, 1882, in Eskilstuna, he was the son of Carl Johan Jernbergh and Fredrika Karolina Carlström. Jernbergh's artistic journey began with studies at the Technical School in Stockholm (1902-1903), followed by advanced training in drawing and lithography in Berlin (1904-1906). He further honed his skills under the tutelage of Carl Wilhelmson from 1913 to 1915 and studied etching with Axel Tallberg from 1915 to 1917.

Throughout his career, Jernbergh exhibited widely across Sweden, showcasing his work in cities such as Eskilstuna, Gävle, Nyköping, and at the prestigious Konstnärshuset in Stockholm. He participated in numerous group exhibitions with the Graphic Society and the Original Woodcut Association and was featured in the Swedish Art exhibition at Valand in Gothenburg.

Jernbergh's oeuvre includes landscapes from Norrland and Spain, rendered in oil, pastels and watercolour, as well as rustic scenes depicted through woodcuts. As an illustrator, he contributed to several fairy tale books. His public works include an altarpiece for Jukkasjärvi Church and a baptism chapel in Nyköping. His graphic works are part of the collections at the National Museum, the Eskilstuna Art Museum, and the Östersund Museum.