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Nils KjellbergNils Kjellberg, The Sower, Antique Oil Paintingc. 1915
c. 1915
About the Item
This early 20th-century post-impressionist oil painting by Swedish artist Nils Kjellberg (1871-1938) depicts a field worker sowing the land. It’s inspired by Jean-François Millet’s work of the same name.
Clutching handfuls of seeds he marches through a field under the glow of early morning. While beyond, a powerful horse drags a plough. It’s a poignant vision of rural determination with the composition glorifying the central figure in oversized proportions. Millet’s original was similar yet noticeably different. For example, Millet placed the plough in the top right, whereas here it’s on the left. Kjellberg also removed the swirl of crows. And the figure itself has different features.
It’s interesting that Kjellberg painted this following the outbreak of World War I as the headwear feels akin to a military-style helmet. Note the strap under his chin, which is not present in Millet’s version. The moustache, too, is a new addition.
Sweden remained neutral during the war but Kjellberg would’ve been all too aware of the developments in Europe. The earth feels barren and desolate, what is actually being sown here?
Vincent van Gogh also produced an homage to The Sower but enlivened it with vibrant colours. It’s a theme that seems to resonate with numerous artists.
Signed and perhaps dated in the lower right. Framed.
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse. Supplier’s stamp relating to Lefranc Bourgeois, France.
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden. Conserved by Ateljé Catellani in Stockholm.
Established in 2017, Brave Fine Art is a premier English art dealership based in Cheltenham with clients including national galleries and country estates. Our team includes a conservator, logistics specialist and art historian. Over 1,000 paintings have been transported to the US and Canada safely with hundreds of glowing reviews.
We set our prices fairly from the start as we prefer to sell quickly and continually evolve the collection. Around 40 new discoveries are added every month. If you have any questions at all, we’d love to hear from you.
- Creator:Nils Kjellberg (1871 - 1938, Swedish)
- Creation Year:c. 1915
- Dimensions:Height: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)Width: 21 in (53.34 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable (it appears more pronounced in the photographs but presents more evenly in life). Frame with some light wear.
- Gallery Location:Cheltenham, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2328213432702
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