Ivan Constantin Johansson - When Winter Melts into Spring, 1917

Ivan Constantin Johansson (1887-1946) Swedish

When Winter Melts into Spring, 1917

oil on canvas laid on board
signed and darted Constantin 17
unframed: 23 x 20 cm (9 x 7.9 inches)
framed: 32 x 29 cm (12.6 x 11.4 inches)

Provenance:
A Swedish private collection. 

Essay:
Ivan Constantin Johansson, also known as Iwan Constantin, was born on May 21, 1887, in Sundsvall, Sweden. He was a Swedish painter and graphic artist with a diverse body of work. His early life involved frequent relocations, including a period in Östersund, but the family settled in Stockholm by the late 19th century. Johansson pursued his artistic education at Althins School of Painting and the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm from 1905 to 1910.

Around 1910, he made his home in Leksand, where he became associated with the Skeberg artist colony. In 1927, his family relocated to Stockholm. Johansson made his artistic debut with an exhibition at Hultbergs Art Gallery in 1912, showcasing around 30 oil paintings. He also exhibited alongside Anders Altzar from Leksand at Salong Joël on Hamngatan 16 in Stockholm.

Now, turning our attention to the painting in question, it is a small landscape measuring 23 x 20 cm painted in 1917. This artwork captures a springtime scene during late winter, featuring a meandering stream at its center, surrounded by birch trees and snow. In the background, a lake is visible into which the stream flows. The painting is a vivid explosion of colors, particularly in the sky, where thick layers of oil paint are used, with short, bold brushstrokes in shades of yellow and orange. The snow is depicted in vibrant turquoise and blue hues, reflecting Johansson's post-impressionist style.

What makes this painting particularly intriguing is Johansson's clever technique of leaving certain areas of the canvas exposed, adding a sense of texture and vitality to the artwork. This skillful use of color and brushwork imbues the painting with a dynamic quality, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the tranquil yet vibrant winter scene.

In summary, Ivan Constantin Johansson was a versatile Swedish artist whose oeuvre encompassed various genres, including portraiture, interior scenes, and landscapes. This specific artwork, a beautiful representation of a springtime transition during late winter, showcases his mastery of color and brushwork, offering viewers a captivating glimpse into the changing seasons of nature.