Classicartworks Stockholm AB Landscape Paintings

Alfred Wahlberg was a distinguished Swedish landscape painter whose career spanned Germany, France, and Sweden. During his early years, he resided in D...

The painting "Vårvinter II," believed to have been painted around 1909 by the Swedish artist Karl Tirén, is a remarkable representation of a landscape in the cusp of the seasonal tra...

This painting by Bernhard Oscarsson (1894-1977) is a captivating visual narrative of Stockholm's serene beauty. Oscarsson, a student of Caleb Althin's painting school and the Royal S...

This exquisite painting by Lindorm Liljefors, the talented Swedish painter, draughtsman, and sculptor, is a testament to his profound connection with nature and his artistic lineage. Born on September 18, 1909, in Ytterjärna, Södermanland, and passing away on February 20, 1985, in Skyttorp, Uppsala County, Lindorm was the son of the renowned artist Bruno Liljefors. Educated at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in Stockholm from 1928 to 1934, under the tutelage of Alfred Bergström and Wilhelm Smith, he honed his skills before embarking on study trips to France and Italy in 1934. Our painting "Goldfinches, Taormina" showcases a serene natural landscape, inspired by the picturesque scenery of Taormina, it captures the essence of Taormina's natural beauty, combining it with Liljefors' unique artistic perspective. The landscape is richly detailed with lush green grass, delicate flowers, and rugged stones. The focal point is two European goldfinches...

This painting by Carl Johansson captures the scenic beauty of Ramsele, featuring the Faxälven river winding through a typical Niplandskap. The Niplandskap, characteristic of Sollefte...

We are honored to present for sale a captivating winter landscape painting by Anton Jonsson Genberg, completed in 1919. This piece is a pristine representation of Genberg's artistry,...

Per Wickenberg, was a Swedish maestro of the brush who left an indelible mark on the world despite his brief life, truncated by tuberculosis at the age of 34. A prodigy who dedicated...

Depicting a winter wonderland, this piece mesmerizes the viewer with its turquoise sky - a bold and unique choice that draws the eyes upwards. But the narrative is more profound. Set against this sky is a distant, rugged stone hill, standing as a testament to the timeless beauty of nature. A few trees benethe the hill, gracefully blanketed with snow. The snow itself is no ordinary white, but a mix of pink and blue shimmers, giving the piece a more interesting quality. More intriguing are the tracks left in the snow. Whose might they be? An animal, perhaps? Or did the artist himself tread this frozen landscape, leaving behind a subtle signature? Such is the mystery of Lindström's work. Rikard Magnus Lindström (1882-1943) was not just a painter but a storyteller, deeply rooted in his Swedish heritage. He's best known for his paintings of archipelago scenes, where the tranquil and tempestuous moods of the sea often play central characters. Born in Stockholm, Lindström's journey into the art world began at the Konstakademien in Stockholm, and his passion took him to Copenhagen and Paris. Throughout his life, Lindström's restless spirit saw him wander, capturing the diverse landscapes of Stockholm's archipelago, Västkusten, Åland, and notably, Lofoten. His affinity for portraying the vast expanse of the sea, often with sailing vessels in the backdrop, is legendary. Lindström's colors were described as "powerful yet harmonious," and this piece is no exception. The juxtaposition of the turquoise sky with the shimmering snow showcases his masterful play with colors. A member of the younger generation of the Konstnärsförbundet, Lindström was greatly influenced by the older members, particularly by Karl Nordström's national-romantic paintings. Besides painting, Lindström had a flair for writing and was a popular contributor to Dagens Nyheter, often penning articles and notes in Morgonbris. However, beneath the vivacious, nature-loving exterior was a man of depth and complexity, as his ex-wife, Martha Rydell-Lindström, has depicted in her book. He was a lover of life, but his nature held layers of vulnerability and tenderness. Today, this winter landscape stands as a tribute not just to Lindström's artistic genius but to the very essence of the man himself. Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of Swedish art history, painted by an artist whose legacy continues to inspire. Rikard Lindströms paintings...

For sale is a captivating painting by the Swedish artist, Rikard Lindström (1882-1943). Depicting a picturesque water canal, with charming houses lini...

We are delighted to offer a unique and evocative piece by the Swedish artist Ingeborg Westfelt-Eggertz. This small oil sketch captures a moment in time, portraying a young man seated...

Hilding Werner (1880-1944) was a Swedish artist known for his portraits, romantic landscape paintings of Värmland, and caricature drawings. We are privi...

Among the treasured classic arts we offer for sale is this stunning painting by the artist Anton Genberg. Born in 1862 to Pehr Jonsson and Anna Genberg, he left an indelible mark on the art world through his magnificent creations. Genberg's life was colored with a passion for exploration, study, and artistic expression. His artistic journey began with studies at the Tekniska skolan in Stockholm from 1882 to 1884, during which he also honed his skills at Oscar Törnås' private painting school. He furthered his education under the tutelage of Per Daniel Holm at the prestigious Konstakademien from 1884 to 1889. During these years, Genberg's exceptional talent was recognized with numerous scholarships and medals. Our painting, dated 1889, transports us to a captivating scene just some minutes after sunset. The canvas is imbued with a beautiful golden glow as the sun's last rays kiss the sky. Amidst a serene lake, the heavenly light reflects, painting the water's surface with mesmerizing shades of purple. In the distance, the landscape is dominated by a mountainous forest, while in the foreground, a stretch of land adorned with bushes creates a sense of depth. The impressionist style comes alive through Genberg's swift brushstrokes, reminiscent of the masterful techniques employed by Rembrandt, with branches delicately etched using the opposite end of the brush. Genberg's fame as a landscape artist was solidified through his enchanting depictions of snow-laden landscapes from Norrland, particularly the majestic "fjällen" (mountains). His art also captured the allure of Stockholm, Dalarna, and his birthplace in Jämtland. Notably, his masterpiece "Vinterafton" earned him a place of honor at the esteemed Nationalmuseum. Beyond his creative pursuits, Anton Genberg was actively involved in the art community. He served as the vice-chairman of the Svenska konstnärernas förening from 1913 to 1918 and held a position on the board of Sveriges allmänna konstförening from 1906 to 1939. His exceptional contributions were recognized when he was elected as a member of the Konstakademien in 1922. Throughout his life, Genberg resided in various places, leaving behind a trail of artistic inspiration. From 1916 to 1924, he lived in the enchanting Villa Wallbeck-Hansen, a masterpiece of national romanticism...

Introducing "Scandinavian Winter Landscape, 1907" a mesmerizing painting by the artist Arthur Percy Carlsson, later known as Arthur C:son Percy (1886-1976). Born in Vickleby, Öland, Percy's artistic journey was one defined by unwavering determination and exceptional talent. This landscape painting presents a winter landscape, likely set during the early spring season. The canvas portrays a vast, snow-filled meadow, blanketed in pristine white. Above, the sky comes alive in a captivating pointillist style, with hues of blue, turquoise, and yellow forming delicate, scattered dots, while small clouds grace the horizon. The scene unfolds with an enchanting backdrop of a distant forest, its trees adorned with a touch of winter's charm. Between the enchanting forest and the expansive meadow, a few humble houses...

This enchanting watercolor, measuring a mere 4.5 x 8 cm, offers a glimpse into the beauty of a serene autumn landscape overlooking Lake Möckeln, nestled between the municipalities of Degerfors and Karlskoga in the province of Värmland, Sweden. In this picturesque scene, the horizon reveals the serene outline of the distant shoreline, adorned with several small islands. The tranquil waters mirror the reflection of the trees on the land, creating a harmonious and captivating play of colors. In the foreground, a solitary birch tree stands tall, adding depth and perspective to this miniature watercolor. The level of precision achieved within this tiny format is truly remarkable, showcasing Fanny Hjelm...

A very beautiful landscape painting by a yet unknown artist signed H.Lövström. The colours are strong and the three-dimensionality is impressive...

In the vast realm of art history, there are certain works that transcend time and space, transporting us to a world of beauty and serenity. One such painting is by the renowned Swedi...

Introducing "Northern Serenity" by renowned Swedish artist Per Julius (born 1951). This captivating painting captures a serene landscape from the northern r...

Hilding Werner, A Värmland artist, was a distinguished Swedish painter and draftsman. Born to landowner Anders Andersson and Inga Maria Johannesdotter, ...

Herman Österlund was a renowned Swedish artist recognized for his stunning portrayals of the west coast of Sweden. In 1896, he relocated to Stockholm and successfully passed the entr...

Hermanus Koekkoek the Younger was a member of the renowned Koekkoek artist family. He was the grandson of Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek, the nephew of the landscape painter Barend Cornelis Koekkoek...

This small Flemish painting, measuring only 24.5 x 18.5 cm and executed on a copper plate, depicts Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. Created in the 17th century, the artist remains unknow...

Axel Zachrison was a Swedish painter known for his landscapes from Dalsland. Born in Tydje, Dalsland, Zachrison's artistic journey was shaped by his experiences at sea and his encounters with influential artists such as Otto Hesselbom, a relative on his mother's side. This captivating landscape painting titled "Landscape from Dalsland, Sweden" showcases Zachrison's artistic talent and his ability to capture the beauty of nature. The sky, painted in shades of white and gray, features distinct lines around the clouds add a sense of movement and depth to the scene, reminiscent of Hesselbom's painting technique. In the background, we can see some blue mountains, their majestic presence contributing to the overall sense of grandeur. And In the left part, the viewer can see some land illuminated by the warm rays of the afternoon sun. The vibrant colors of orange, green, and yellow bring the landscape to life, infusing it with a sense of vitality and serenity. A shimmering body of water in the the center, reflecting the luminous white light and creating captivating mirror-like reflections. The foreground of the painting consists of a darker forest area which skillfully framing the lower part of the composition. This deliberate contrast adds depth and visual interest to the artwork, drawing the viewer's attention to the enchanting scenery. It's undated but likely executed in the 1920s, the painting carries an undeniable "wow" factor upon first sight. Zachrison's skillful brushwork and his masterful use of decorative color choices create a captivating and immersive experience for the viewer. His ability to evoke emotional responses through his art is a testament to his talent and artistic vision. Zachrison studied under the guidance of renowned artist Carl Wilhelmson...

Reinhold Grohmann (1877-1915) was a German painter who studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, a renowned art school that attracted students from all over the world. Grohmann's wo...

Painted in 1909, this artwork depicts a scene from Karlberg, located on Kungsholmen (Stockholm). The focal point is a majestic birch forest, with tall and...

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

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 ...

The painting we are selling is a breathtaking mountain view from Hålland in Jämtland, Sweden, created by Ante Karlsson-Stig in 1932. Ante Karlsson-Stig (1885-1967) was a Swedish pain...

Workshop / Circle of Philips Wouwerman (1619-1668) Landscape with Gentleman on Horseback and Peasant Woman Receiving Alms oil on oak panel 12.40 x 14.17 inches (31.5 x 36 cm) wit...

Albert Liedbeck (1881 - 1955) Sweden Landscape With Blue Mountains oil on canvas canvas dimensions 22.04 x 30.70 inches (56 x 78 cm) frame 24.40 x 31.67 inches (62 x 83 cm) signed ...

Otto Lindberg was a Swedish artist born in Söderhamn in 1880. Lindberg was known for his landscapes and marine paintings. He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm an...

Carl Johansson, also known as "Ultramarin Johansson," was a Swedish artist born in 1863 and known for his distinctive blue-toned paintings. His work often depicted landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes, capturing the beauty and essence of Sweden's natural landscapes. We are proud to offer one of his late works from 1935 for sale. This painting depicts a beautiful landscape from Nordingrå, a small village situated on the High coast of Sweden. The beauty of Nordingrå has captured many artists in the 19th-century, inspiring many famous painters, including Helmer Osslund...

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) The Church in Taormina, Sicily (Kyrkan i Taormina) oil on canvas canvas dimensions 54 x 47 cm signed and dated Dick Beer 1914 painted 1914 Exhibited: Varias Konstsalong, Stockholm, 1916; Millesgården – Dick Beer – Impressionist & Kubist, 2012 Provenance: Within the family Beer until today Dick Beer (1893-1938) Dick Beer was born in London in 1893. His father, John Beer (1853-1906), was a Swedish painter from Stockholm who had a career mainly as a watercolour painter with motifs of horses from racetracks and fox hunts from the countryside. Barely fifteen years old, Dick Beer became an orphan and came to Sweden in 1907. Already in 1908-1909, he started at Althin's painting school in Stockholm. And later, at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1910-1912. His teachers were, among others, Gustaf Cederström, Oscar Björk and Alfred Bergström...

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) A French City, 1919 (Fransk stad) oil on canvas canvas dimensions 82x66 cm frame 94x78.5 cm signed Dick ...

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) Folkliv på Korsika, I (Popular Dance at Corsica, I) oil on canvas signed Dick Beer c. 1924 canvas dimensions 88 x 100 cm Exhibited: The Royal Academy Stockholm 1973; Millesgården – Dick Beer – Impressionist & Kubist, 2012 Dick Beer was born in 1893 in London as Richard Beer, the youngest of five brothers. His father, John Beer (1853-1906), was a watercolourist who was born in Stockholm and left Sweden at the age of 17. John Beer instructed his sons in drawing and painting, among other things. A number of sketchbooks bear testimony to the boys’ talent. Dick Beer’s parents died in 1906 and 1907. Barely 15 years old, Beer arrived in Sweden as an orphan. First he lived with relatives and finally he ended up at Reverend Laurell in Västergötland. Dick Beer began his artistic studies at the Althin School of Painting in Stockholm in 1908 and continued at the Royal Academy of Arts in the autumn of 1910, but in September 1912 he broke off his studies and travelled to Paris. He rented a studio and enrolled at the Colarossi and Grande Chaumière academies. In the summer of 1913, Dick Beer travelled to Pont-Aven in Bretagne in order to paint. In September the same year, he held his first solo exhibition in Stockholm which he gave the French title Exposition des tableaux de Bretagne et autour de Paris. The exhibition proved a success. Many of the paintings were executed in a light palette in a style inspired by the impressionists. In 1914, Dick Beer undertook an extensive study trip to Italy, Tunis, Morocco and Spain, which resulted in canvases overflowing with colours and light. When the French army mobilised, he volunteered and was enlisted in the French Foreign Legion. In 1915 Dick Beer sustained severe head injuries in a grenade attack, which resulted in deafness and a nervous condition that would plague him for the rest of his life. Two of his brothers died the following year, fighting for the English army. Dick Beer was hospitalised and convalesced at Château de Rochefort. Here he started painting again, in an impressionist style, a painting dominated by blue and green hues. In 1918, Dick Beer married Ruth Öhrling, a dentist, and their son John was born later in the year. During this time, Beer began experimenting with cubist painting and created several large compositions, including the painting “The Arab Café”. In the years that followed, Dick Beer was based in Paris, where he often moved house. He was instructed by André Lhote, who encouraged his students to work freely in the studio and provided them with individual critique. Beer often travelled to Bretagne or Provence. His artist friends came from all over Europe and included Amedeo Modigliani. Dick Beer exhibited fairly regularly in Paris between 1919 and 1934 and made a name for himself in French artist circles. In the summers, Ruth regularly rented a house in the countryside, often at Lake Mälaren. She kept a large house with many models and friends and there was a lot of painting and discussions. In 1933, the couple divorced but Ruth still loved Dick...

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) Utsikt från fönster, View From a Window, 1920 oil on canvas 73 x 60.5 cm stamp signed painted 1920 Exhibi...

Alfred Ekstam, a renowned artist from Mangskog, Sweden, is known for his exquisite landscape paintings. We are excited to present this painting by Ekstam, which is extra special because it is painted on both sides, offering two beautiful landscapes in one, with a reversible frame that can be turned over without having to take it down from the wall. On one side, you will be mesmerized by a stunning Art Nouveau landscape with a purple tone, featuring a mountain in the background, a lake, and trees in the foreground with shades of yellow, red, and green. On the other side, you will see a winter landscape with five red houses, likely to be Ekstam's own farm in Knaggen. The winter scene showcases sun rays shining down on the houses...

Carl Johansson (1863-1944), also known as "Ultramarin Johansson," was a highly skilled Swedish landscape painter who is known for his ability to capture...

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) Saint Cloud, 1912 oil on board board dimensions 40.5 x 32.5 cm frame 51.5 x 43.5 cm signed Dick Beer painted 1912 Exhibited: The Swedish-French Art Gallery, Memorial Exhibition, Catalog nr 5, 1942 Provenance: A private collection, Sweden Dick Beer (1893-1938) Dick Beer was born in London in 1893. His father, John Beer (1853-1906), was a Swedish painter from Stockholm who had a career mainly as a watercolour painter with motifs of horses from racetracks and fox hunts from the countryside. Barely fifteen years old, Dick Beer became an orphan and came to Sweden in 1907. Already in 1908-1909, he started at Althin's painting school in Stockholm. And later, at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1910-1912. His teachers were, among others, Gustaf Cederström, Oscar Björk and Alfred Bergström...

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) Title: Stormy Weather in St.Arnoult Dick Beer was born in London in 1893. His father, John Beer (1853-1906), was a Swedish painter from Stockholm who had a career mainly as a watercolour painter with motifs of horses from racetracks and fox hunts from the countryside. Barely fifteen years old, Dick Beer became an orphan and came to Sweden in 1907. Already in 1908-1909, he started at Althin's painting school in Stockholm. And later, at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1910-1912. His teachers were, among others, Gustaf Cederström, Oscar Björk and Alfred...

Herman Österlund (1873-1964) Sweden Ocean View from the West Coast, 1916 oil on canvas signed and dated Herman Österlund 1916 canvas dimensions 14.37 x 16.73 inches (36.5 x 42.5 cm...

Flemish School, 1600s Landscape With Pan and Syrinx painted around the 1600s oil on copper 19 x 23.5 cm frame 29 x 34 cm Hand-made oak frame by Swedish frame maker Christer Björkma...

Herman Österlund was a Swedish artist best known for his beautiful depictions of the west coast of Sweden. He moved to Stockholm in 1896 and passed the test for entering the Royal A...

Adrianus Eversen (1818-1897) was an artist who created outstanding paintings of cities, and his works are a time travel back to another era of archite...

Per Wickenberg was a Swedish artist active in the early 19th century. He was only 34 when he died of tuberculosis; thankfully for the art history - at that point, he had practised the art of painting for more than 20 years. After his art studies at the Royal Academy of Art in Stockholm, he left Stockholm and travelled to Paris in 1837. In Paris, he finally received the well-deserved success for his landscapes; he won golden medals at the Salon de Paris both in 1838 for his painting "Nordiskt vinterlandskap" and in 1839 for a painting called "Vinterfiske". Per received a travel scholarship from Sweden and used that money for trips to Belgium and the Netherlands. Our painting is from that time, the time after his success in Paris, and in this magnificent painting, we see his talent in capturing the cold winter mood with meticulous care of details. Notice how nicely painted the children are on the ice, the sledge filled with hay to provide comfort and insulation against the cold. In the background, we can see an ice skater, a detail that gives the painting depth and three-dimensionality. This is a wonderful painting by a talented artist - who devoted almost his entire life to the art of painting. Artist: Per (Pehr) Wickenberg (1812-1846) Swedish Title: Dutch Winter landscape with children...

Nils Hans Christiansen (1850-1929) Denmark Winter Landscape With an Old Tree oil on canvas late 19th century signed canvas dimensions 15.94 x 12.79 inches (40.5 x 32.5 cm) frame 2...

Edward Rosenberg is best known for his landscape paintings with winter motifs around Lake Mälaren. He studied at the Art Academy in Stockholm 1879–1882. And he had his first success in 1882 when he received the Royal Medal...

Oscar Lycke was a Swedish artist from Sundsvall. He is best known for his impressive colourful landscape paintings in a national romantic and realism styl...

A wonderful painting by British artist Sidney Pike (1846-1907). Pike is best known for his depictions of the English countryside, and he attended many time...

Francois (Frans) Van Severdonck (1809-1889) Belgian Sheep Resting in a Meadow signed Franc..? Van Severdonck and dated 1861 oil on panel panel size 16 x 23 cm frame 25.5 x 32 cm ...

David Teniers the Younger (1610-1690) Follower of A Peasant Removing a Plaster: The Sense of Touch signed T on the table oil on panel panel size 7,20 x 5,55 inches (18,3 x 14,4 cm)...

Johan Peter von Wildenradt (1861-1904) Title: Sea View from Menton, Côte d'Azur, France Wildenradt was born 1861 in Helsingør, Denmark. He studies art at the School of Fine Arts in Copenhagen under Laurits Tuxen...

Charles Bouchez (1811-1882) French A Soldier Blowing the Trumpet oil on canvas signed and dated ch. Bouchez 1842 canvas dimensions 6.29 x 4.13 inches (16 x 10.5 cm) frame 10.23 x 7...

Jan Frans Soolmaker (Flanders 1635‑1685) Shepherd with Sheep, Cows and a Goat in a Landscape oil on relined canvas canvas size 56 x 53 cm frame i...

Alfred Schönian (1856-1936) Germany Rooster With Hens and Ducks by a Pond oil on panel signed A.Schönian München panel dimensions 6.29 x 9.44 inc...

The splendour of the tragic sea Francesco Guardi and maritime painting in Venetian art No Venetian painter was a stranger to the sea. After all, Venice was not only one of the most prominent ports of the Mediterranean, but indeed a city literally submerged in the ocean from time to time. Curiously however, the famous Venetian school of painting showed little interest in maritime motifs, favouring scenes from the iconic architecture of the city rather than seascapes. That is why this painting is a particularly interesting window into not only the painter Francesco Guardi himself – but to the significance of the element of water in art history, in absence as well as in the centre of attention. Whether it be calm, sunny days with stunning views of the palaces alongside the canals of Venice or – more rarely – stormy shipwrecking tragedies at sea, water as a unifying element is integral to the works of painter Francesco Guardi (1712–1793). During his lifetime, Venetian art saw many of its greatest triumphs with names like Tiepolo or Canaletto gaining international recognition and firmly establishing Venice as one of the most vibrant artistic communities of Europe. While the city itself already in the 18th century was something of an early tourist spot where aristocrats and high society visited on their grand tour or travels, the artists too contributed to the fame and their work spread the image of Venice as the city of romance and leisure to an international audience, many of whom could never visit in person. Still today, the iconic image of Venice with its whimsical array of palaces, churches and other historic buildings is much influenced by these artists, many of whom have stood the test of time like very well and remain some of the most beloved in all of art history. It was not primarily subtility, intellectual meanings or moral ideals that the Venetian art tried to capture; instead it was the sheer vibrancy of life and the fast-paced city with crumbling palaces and festive people that made this atmosphere so special. Of course, Venice could count painters in most genres among its residents, from portraiture to religious motifs, history painting and much else. Still, it is the Vedutas and views of the city that seems to have etched itself into our memory more than anything else, not least in the tradition of Canaletto who was perhaps the undisputed master of all Venetian painters. Born into his profession, Francesco lived and breathed painting all his life. His father, the painter Domenico Guardi (1678–1716) died when Francesco was just a small child, yet both he and his brothers Niccolò and Gian Antonio continued in their fathers’ footsteps. The Guardi family belonged to the nobility and originated from the mountainous area of Trentino, not far from the Alps. The brothers worked together on more challenging commissions and supported each other in the manner typical of family workshops or networks of artists. Their sister Maria Cecilia married no other than the artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo himself, linking the family to the most renowned Venetian name of the time. During almost a decade, Guardi worked in the studio of Michele Giovanni Marieschi, sometimes simply known as Michiel, a painted similar in both style and motif. Canaletto is, however, the artist Guardi is most often compared to since they shared a mutual fascination for depicting the architecture and cityscape of Venice. During the course of his career, Guardi tried his hand in many different genres. He was as swift in painting landscapes, Vedutas of Venice, sacred motifs, interiors and architectural compositions as he was in a number of other motifs. His style is typical of the Venetian school but also distinct and personal once we look a little closer. There is an absolute certainty in the composition, the choice of which sometimes feels like that of a carefully calculated photograph – yet it is also very painterly, in the best sense of the word: fluid, bold, sensitive and full of character. The brushwork is rapid, intense, seemingly careless and extraordinarily minute at the same time; fresh and planned in a very enjoyable mixture. His interiors often capture the breath-taking spacious glamour of the palaces and all their exquisite decor. He usually constructed the motif through remarkably simple, almost spontaneous yet intuitively precise strokes and shapes. The result was a festive, high-spirited atmospheric quality, far away from the sterile and exact likeness that other painters fell victim to when trying to copy Canaletto. The painting here has nothing of the city of Venice in it. On the contrary, we seem to be transported far away into the solitary ocean, with no architecture, nothing to hold on to – only the roaring sea and the dangerous cliffs upon which the ships are just moments away from being crushed upon. It is a maritime composition evoking both Flemish and Italian precursors, in the proud tradition of maritime painting that for centuries formed a crucial part of our visual culture. This genre of painting is today curiously overlooked, compared to how esteemed and meaningful it was when our relationship to the sea was far more natural than it is today. When both people and goods travelled by water, and many nations and cities – Venice among them – depended entirely on sea fare, the existential connection to the ocean was much more natural and integrated into the imagination. The schools and traditions of maritime art are as manifold as there are countries connected to the sea, and all reflect the need to process the dangers and wonders of the ocean. It could symbolize opportunity, the exciting prospects of a new countries and adventures, prospering trade, beautiful scenery as well as war and tragedy, loss of life, danger and doom. To say that water is ambivalent in nature is an understatement, and these many layers were something that artists explored in the most wondrous ways. Perhaps it takes a bit more time for the modern eye to identify the different nuances and qualities of historic maritime paintings, they may on first impression seem hard to differentiate from each other. But when allowing these motifs to unfold and tell stories of the sea in both fiction and reality – or somewhere in between – we are awarded with an understanding of how the oceans truly built our world. In Guardi’s interpretation, we see an almost theatrically arranged shipwrecking scene. No less than five ships are depicted right in the moment of utter disaster. Caught in a violent storm, the waves have driven them to a shore of sharp cliffs and if not swallowed by the waves, crushing against the cliffs seems to be the only outcome. The large wooden ships are impressively decorated with elaborate sculpture, and in fact relics already during Guardi’s lifetime. They are in fact typical of Dutch and Flemish 17th century ships, giving us a clue to where he got the inspiration from. Guardi must have seen examples of Flemish maritime art, that made him curious about these particular motifs. One is reminded of Flemish painters like Willem van de Velde and Ludolf Backhuysen, and this very painting has indeed been mistakenly attributed to Matthieu van Plattenberg...

Hermanus Koekkoek the Younger was part of the famous Koekkoek artist family: grandson of Johannes Hermanus Koekkoek, nephew of the landscape painter, Barend Cornelis Koekkoek...

Justus Lundegård grew up in the Swedish village Hörby. He started his art studies at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts 1880–84 and later in Munich and Paris where he switched to an Impressionist style. In this painting, we can see his later talent for painting white light...

Remembering the magic of everyday life moments in the art of David Teniers: The art of David Teniers the Younger (1610–1690) coincided with the heyday of the Flemish Baroque and captured a great variety of motifs of his time. In this painting of a seemingly simple peasant scene lies keys to understanding both the imaginative mind of Teniers as well as why this time period produced some of the most iconic works in all of art history.  As indicated by the name, Teniers was more or less born into his profession. As the son of David Teniers the elder, himself a painter who studied under Rubens, the younger David received training in art from a very young age and had no less than three brothers who also became painters. Because of his father’s frequent financial failures that even at times saw him imprisoned, David the younger helped to rescue the family from ruin through painting copies of old masters. Essentially, the young Teniers was confronted with painting as both a passion and creative expression as well as a necessity during difficult times, an experience that would shape much of his capacity and sensitivity in his coming life. Despite the hardships, the talent and determination of Teniers was recognized and quickly expanded his possibilities. He had already spent time in France and possibly also England when he was hired by his father’s former teacher Rubens to help with a prestigious commission with mythological paintings, now considered lost, for Philip IV the king Spain. In 1644–54 Teniers was appointed dean of the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke, manifesting his esteemed position within the artistic community. A few years afterwards he took an important step when relocating to Brussels, where Teniers yet again found new career opportunities that would prove to be very successful. As the keeper of the collections of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm, a role similar to what we now refer to as an art advisor, Teniers purchased hundreds of important artworks that manifested the prominent status of the Archduke’s collection while at the same time providing an unusual access to inspiration and knowledge for Teniers himself. Since he kept on painting during the same time, his creative scope must have seemed almost bewildering in the great variety of images and stories that he surrounded himself with.  Regardless of how glamorous and culturally stimulating the career of Teniers was, he was as open to the charm and existential importance of everyday life as he was to works of great masters and luxurious collectibles. In his impressive repertoire of genres with everything from exquisite royal portraits, interiors, landscapes and history paintings he always added something new and inventive, highlighting the possibilities of art and importance of an experimental and intuitive mind. It is difficult to single out one aspect or genre to summarize his legacy, since it lies much more in the broad virtuosity across many motifs, although he is particularly remembered for farm scenes and meticulously depicted interiors where other paintings and artworks are captured with an astonishing precision. However, the fact that he is still today one of the most known and celebrated names of the Dutch Golden Age is a proof to the magic of his work, which continues to spark dialogue and wonder in the contemporary viewer of his works. The farm boy in the field in this painting, which likely dates to the mature part of his career, is a wonderful entry into the mind of Teniers. In the tightly cropped motif, we see him standing right in the middle of the busy harvest when men, women and everyone capable were sent out in the field to collect the crop that formed the very core of their diet and survival. In the background we see a fresh blue sky interspersed with skillfully painted clouds, some trees reaching their autumnal colours and in the far distance the glimpse of a small church and village. The presence of a church in a landscape, so typical of Dutch art, served both a symbolic and visual function as a representation of faith while at the same time defining scale and distance. In the field, the work is in full action with the farmers spread out in various positions, all in the midst of hard and sweaty labour. While they are portrayed as having nothing else than the work on their mind, our farm boy seems to have his attention directed elsewhere. Standing there with his white, half open shirt, flowy curls and strong, sturdy body; his gaze is directed away, out of the picture and the scythes in his hands. He looks almost smirking, expressed with tremendous subtlety in the slight smile of his lips and big eyes, being just in the middle of losing focus on the work. What is it that steals his attention? What has he seen, or realized, or felt – to break him free of the arduous task of harvesting, if but for a moment? Here starts the wondering and the questions that are the hallmark of a great piece of art. Instead of explicitly locking in the motif in overly clear symbolism Teniers has chosen an open ended, subtle yet striking moment for us to consider. While it of course can be related to numerous other farm scene depictions of this time, and clever usages of gazes and real-life scenes to underscore various moral or symbolic meanings, the painting can be much more of a contemplation than an explanation or illustration. The ordinary nature and understated yet emotionally textured composition of the motif gives greater space for our own reactions and thoughts. Has he seen a pretty farm girl just passing by? Is he fed up with the farm life, joyously dreaming away for a minute, imagining another future? Or is he simply in need of distraction, looking away and ready for anything that can steal his attention? One quality that never seem to have escaped Teniers was that of curiosity. During all of his career he constantly investigated, expanded and experimented with not only the style and technique of painting, but with the vision of art itself. Being credited with more or less introducing farm motifs for a broader audience not only tells us of his ability to understand the demand for different motifs, but the sensitivity to transform seemingly ordinary parts of life into deep aesthetic experiences, far beyond their expected reach. The farm boy in this painting is, of course, exactly that. But with the help of one smirk the entire picture is charged with a different energy, awakening many contrasts and relationships between the calm landscape, the hard work and his own breach of effectivity, holding sharp scythes while thinking or seeing something else. It is no wonder Teniers chose to work with farm scenes as a way of investigating these intricate and delicate plays on expectations and surprises, clarity and ambivalence. It invites us to an appreciation of human everyday life that connects us with the people of 17th century...

Anders Ek (Born 1952) Sweden Water Reflections (Hompage Monet) painted 1994 canvas 19.68 x 25.19 inches (50 x 64 cm) frame 20.27 x 25.78 inches (51.5 x 65.5 cm) signed Anders Ek oi...