Thure Wallner

A Kitten Amongst the Blooms by Swedish Artist Thure Wallner

1957

William Gislander (1890-1937) Swedish Title: Landscape With Ducks oil on canvas signed and dated William Gislander 1934 canvas dimensions 25.98...

"A Young Girl Reading a Book" is a captivating portrait by Swedish artist Gustaf Arnolds. Arnolds was a prolific painter whose roots began in Vingåker and later in Ronneby from his teenage years. His educational journey in art took him through prestigious institutions such as Althins målarskola and the Tallbergska grafikskolan in Stockholm, followed by a significant period at the Konstakademien, Stockholm, between 1904 and 1909. His talent and dedication were recognized early on, earning him a scholarship to Paris, a city that would deeply influence his artistic direction. This particular work, likely painted shortly after his return to Sweden, reveals a profound influence from his time in Paris. It portrays a young girl absorbed in reading a book, a simple yet profound subject that Arnolds imbues with a sense of tranquility and introspection. The background hints at a serene landscape, dotted with quaint houses, a nod to the everyday beauty surrounding us. What sets this piece apart is Arnolds’ technique, reminiscent of pointillism but distinguished by longer, more expressive brush strokes that add a vibrant texture and depth to the canvas. This method showcases Arnolds' unique adaptation of the techniques he encountered during his Parisian studies, particularly during his interactions with Nils Dardel...