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Nina Bergstedt
Rediscovered Mastery: A Portrait by Nina Bergstedt

late 1800s

$3,808.81
£2,822.54
€3,180
CA$5,199.75
A$5,784.51
CHF 3,032.31
MX$70,685.33
NOK 38,612.73
SEK 36,348.55
DKK 24,212.24
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About the Item

This poignant portrait by Swedish artist Nina Bergstedt captures a quiet intensity that lingers in the viewer’s mind. The sitter, an unknown woman, is portrayed with deep emotional presence — a gaze turned inward, rendered with striking sensitivity and masterful technique. Every detail, from the subtle tension in her expression to the delicate handling of fabric and light, speaks of an artist with both technical skill and a profound empathy for her subject. For decades, Nina Bergstedt’s work was hidden from public view. Born into a highly intellectual family in 1858, she was encouraged in her artistic pursuits from an early age. As a young woman, she studied painting in Copenhagen, Paris and Örebro, taking lessons from respected artists and immersing herself in the cultural life of Europe. Despite this rigorous training and undeniable talent, she never exhibited her work publicly during her lifetime. The reason was deeply personal: her father, a prominent publisher and politician, discouraged her from pursuing a public artistic career. As a result, Bergstedt painted for herself, her family, and a small circle of friends. Her work remained virtually unknown until 1988, when a retrospective at the Östergötland County Museum finally introduced her remarkable artistry to a wider audience. This portrait is a rare example of Bergstedt’s intimate and deeply human style. It combines the refinement of 19th-century academic training with an unusually modern emotional honesty. The sitter’s expression – at once weary, thoughtful, and proud – invites quiet contemplation. It is a painting that rewards time and attention, revealing more with each viewing. For collectors, this is a unique opportunity to acquire a work by a long-overlooked talent. With its intimate scale, impeccable execution, and compelling backstory, Portrait of an Unknown Woman offers not only beauty but historical and emotional depth. It is a work that stands out — both for its artistic merit and for the singular life story of its creator. oil on canvas signed NINA BERGSTEDT unframed 46 × 55 cm (18.1 × 21.7 inches) framed 66.5 × 57.5 cm (26.2 × 22.6 inches) Provenance: Art dealer Vasakonst, Sweden.
  • Creator:
    Nina Bergstedt (1858 - 1902, Swedish)
  • Creation Year:
    late 1800s
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 18.12 in (46 cm)Width: 21.66 in (55 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    The painting is in fine, unrestored condition with clear, well-preserved colors. The signature has at some point been cut out and reattached—cause unknown, possibly the result of a child’s play or an old mishap.
  • Gallery Location:
    Stockholm, SE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1445216455702

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