Carl Wilhelmson - På havet, 1911 (On the Sea)

Carl Wilhelmson (1866-1928) Sweden

På havet, 1911 (On the Sea) 

oil on wood panel
signed C.Wilhelmson
unframed 21,5 x 27 cm
framed 32 x 37,5 cm

Exhibited:

Göteborgs konstförening, 1912, nr 66, "På havet"
Liljevalchs Konsthall, Stockholm, Retrospektiv utställning
1934, nr 243, "På havet"

Provenance: 
The Artist, inventory number 243 "På havet, 1911"
Göteborgs konstförening, 1912, nr 66, "På havet" 200kr;
Engineer Sigurd Ekman, Göteborg;
Thence by descent until we acquire it.

Essay:
The painting På Havet (On the Sea) by Carl Wilhelmson, created in 1911, stands as a remarkable testament to the artist's profound connection with the sea and its influence on his work. This exceptional piece, never been on the market since 1912, encapsulates a moment of intense human and natural interaction, set against the backdrop of a vividly blue, sunlit sea.

At the heart of this painting is the figure known as "Henriksson," a man whose captivating gaze invites viewers into a moment of deep contemplation. Wilhelmson's skillful use of blues and the dynamic brushstrokes capture the shimmering movement of the sea and the brightness of the day, creating a vibrant contrast with the detailed portrayal of Henriksson and the partially visible boatman steering at the painting's edge.

"På Havet" has a notable exhibition history, having been displayed at the Göteborgs Konstförening in 1912 and at a retrospective exhibition at Liljevalchs Konsthall in Stockholm in 1934. Its provenance traces back to the artist himself, passing through the Göteborgs Konstförening and eventually into the hands of Engineer Sigurd Ekman in Gothenburg, Thence by descent until we acquire it.

Carl Wilhelmson's life story is as compelling as his art. Born in Fiskebäckskil to a Naval Master father, Wilhelmson faced adversity early on with the loss of his father to a shipwreck. This personal history perhaps deepened his connection to maritime themes. His journey from an apprentice lithographer to a student of Carl Larsson, and later a significant figure in the Swedish art scene, highlights his evolution as an artist. His works, which include not only paintings but also murals and lithographs, are celebrated for their vivid portrayal of Swedish landscapes and life, marking him as a pivotal figure in Swedish art history.

"På Havet" is not just a painting; it's a window into Wilhelmson's world, showcasing his mastery in capturing the essence of the sea and the complexity of human emotions.