Carl Johansson

Early Painting from Puerto Orotava (Puerto de la Cruz), Tenerife, 1894

1894

This beautiful oil sketch, painted en plein air, was created by Swedish artist Olof Arborelius during his stay in Italy from the fall of 1870 until January 1872. The painting features a charming depiction of ancient Roman ruins—either a city wall or an aqueduct—surrounded by lush trees under the clear Italian sky. With loose brushstrokes and a soft, atmospheric touch, the artist captures the natural light and Mediterranean ambiance, demonstrating his profound understanding of plein air painting. Arborelius was heavily influenced by French artistic trends of the time, particularly in his color sensitivity and study of light and air. His time in Italy was critical for his artistic development, marking the height of his mastery in capturing the delicate interplay of light, color, and atmosphere. Several of Arborelius’ Italian oil studies, including similar small-format plein air works, were later exhibited at various prestigious exhibitions. These include the Svenska konstnärernas förening memorial exhibition in 1910, the Svensk-Franska Konstgalleriet in Stockholm in 1931, and a memorial exhibition at the Nationalmuseum in 1943. Viggo Loos praised Arborelius' Italian studies for their "sensitivity to color" and "intense exploration of light and atmosphere," highlighting these works as a high point in the artist's career. Loos emphasized how Arborelius skillfully captured the essence of the Mediterranean landscape, using vibrant tones and delicate brushwork to convey the interplay of light and air. Moreover, Folke Holmér, the curator of Arborelius’ 1943 memorial exhibition, described his Italian sketches as some of the most painterly pieces of his early production, worthy of comparison with the best works Swedish artists had produced in Italy. Among his notable works in major collections are three of his Italian oil studies held at the Nationalmuseum: View from Rome Towards the Arch of Septimius Severus...

Elias Erdtman (Sweden, 1863–1945) Moonlit Reflections, Heyst-sur-Mer oil on canvas laid on board signed E. Erdman och daterad -84 unframed: 29 x 18.5 cm (11.4 x 7.3 inches) framed:...

This charming marine painting by Swedish artist Ludvig Richarde captures a lone sailboat gliding across calm waters, bathed in the delicate light of dusk. The palette is rich in soft...

Hjalmar Sandberg (1847-1888) Sweden Harvest Time, 1876 oil on canvas canvas size 14.96 x 18.11 inches (38 x 46 cm) frame 18.70 x 25.59 inches (47.5 ...

This diptych by Linda Clerget captures the essence of childhood freedom and the poetic beauty of nature. Two Sisters by the Water and Sun Over the Countryside are two luminous scenes...

"At the Fair" is a 20th century impressionist oil depicting a country horse fair in Croatia. The painting measures 22" x 28" framed.

Rachel Hartley's maternal grandfather was the acclaimed Tonalist landscape painter George Inness, and her father was sculptor Jonathan Scott Hartley, the primary founder of the Salma...

A stunning jewel and pertinent example of Berthelsen's charming New York City scenes. Here we find a The Plaza hotel and the Manhattan buildings depicted in the far background with pops of colors shinning through the lights and magic of the city. The artist was truly a master of capturing New York in all of its glory throughout the seasons. This piece is executed whimsically, yet dramatically evoking an emotion of wonder and beauty. This piece is signed lower right by the artist and it also bears the reproduction right's stamp on the reverse. It is titled on the back and it comes housed in a beautiful French giltwood frame with linen liner and hanging wire on verso ready to be displayed. Art measures 6.5 x 8 inches Frame measures 12 x 14 inches Johann Berthelsen was born in Copenhagen in 1883, the 7th of seven children, to Conrad and Dorothea Karen Berthelsen. His parents were involved in artistic and professional circles. In 1890, his mother brought the children to America, settling in Manistee, Michigan, with her sister's family. They would eventually move to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a city on the shore of Lake Michigan. As a teenager, Johann was actively involved in choirs and singing groups. And he always loved to draw and paint, and while he was too impatient to take well to schoolwork, and never went beyond the 5th grade. Although he worked in several trades, Johann's mind and heart were always with the arts. As his voice matured, he also always wanted to be an actor, and at the age of 18 moved to Chicago where he reconnected with an old friend who was studying voice at the Chicago Musical...