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Gentle Repose at Österby: An 1824 Aquatint by Ulrik Thersner

About the Item

Gentle Repose at Österby: An 1824 Aquatint by Ulrik Thersner. This aquatint by Ulrik Thersner, created in 1824, depicts the serene landscape of Österby in Sweden. The image is suffused with a gentle light that bathes the scene in a warm, inviting glow. It features two individuals on horseback in the foreground, suggesting a tranquil pace of life and leisurely exploration. Their presence adds a narrative element to the scene, inviting viewers to contemplate the journey the riders are undertaking. The central focus of the aquatint is the stately building situated by the water, likely a manor house or a significant estate of the time, reflecting the architectural style of the early 19th century. The estate is flanked by expansive, lush greenery and tall trees, with a prominent pine tree in the foreground that anchors the composition. The detailed rendering of the foliage and the atmospheric perspective in the background create a sense of depth and spaciousness. In Skåne, Thersner had drawn several mansions in 1816, and he decided to publish a counterpart to Erik Dahlbergh's Suecia antiqua et hodierna. He called his work Fordna och present Sverige, and in 1817 began its publication. Carl Fredrik Akrell engraved the images, which were executed in aquatint. Eventually, Wilhelm Maximilian Carpelan joined the publication. The Scania part was completed in 1823, Östergötland was started in 1820 and Uppland and Södermanland in 1824-25. Thersner himself wrote the text for the pictures. After Thersner's death, his widow, with the help of friends, continued the publication, which had never received public support. Michael Gustaf Anckarsvärd took over the publication, in lithographic form, until 1843. The work could be continued, partly with the drawings left by Thersner as templates, partly by Anckarsvärd and others contributing new drawings. In general, Anckarsvärd's work is considered superior to Thersner's. In 1843, the work was taken over by Thersner's daughter, Thora Thersner (1818-1867). She continued publishing until her death. Thora Thersner lithographed her drawings herself, which are usually considered conscientious, if somewhat dry and weak. During her time, among other things, the part about Närke (1838-55) was continued and completed. At the time of Thora Thersner's death, the entire work comprised 91 booklets, containing 364 plates with text. The publication had cost each subscriber 682 kroner and 50 öre. More about the maker: Ulrik Thersner was a multifaceted individual, having an impactful military career alongside his work as a draftsman and topographer. Born on April 2, 1779, in Kyrkslätt parish in Finland, Thersner began his military service early, becoming a ship's boy in the Swedish navy at the tender age of seven. His naval service during Gustav III's Russian War marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the military. In 1794, he advanced to the rank of sergeant in the Army's fleet and was appointed as an ensign five years later. His career took a significant turn in 1804 when he was appointed information officer at the Gothenburg squadron, a role that involved hydrographic measurements in Bohuslän. Thersner's military engagements were diverse and geographically spread; in 1807, he transitioned to the Field Survey Corps, where he became a lieutenant in 1808. His expertise in surveying was put to use during the Finnish War, where he was involved in operations in Åland and battles at Sävar and Ratan. By 1810, Thersner had risen to the rank of captain and contributed to the border delineation between Sweden and Russia. His membership in the Royal Academy of Military Sciences in 1811 further affirmed his academic and professional stature. During the war of 1813-14, Thersner held various commands and notably led the engineering efforts during the siege of Glückstadt. Promoted to major in the Field Survey Brigade in 1814, Thersner post-war undertook triangulation measurements in Skåne from 1815 to 1817, demonstrating his proficiency in the practical applications of surveying and mapping. His retirement came in 1825, when he left the service with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Beyond his military service, Thersner is most renowned for his authorship of "Fordna och närvarande Sverige" (Antiquity and Present Sweden), a work that illustrated Swedish estates and landscapes, reflecting both his artistic talent and his technical skills as a surveyor and cartographer. Thersner's artistic endeavors served as a historical record and a tribute to Sweden's cultural and geographic landscapes. Thersner's life came to an end on September 2, 1828, in Västerås, Sweden. His dual legacy as a dedicated military officer and as an artist who meticulously recorded Sweden's geographical beauty ensures his enduring place in Swedish history. More about the place: Österbybruk is a locality situated in Östhammar Municipality, Uppsala County, Sweden with 2,272 inhabitants in 2010. Ironworks The Österby works was one of a number mostly in Roslagen, where there were Walloon forges, producing high quality oregrounds iron for export. Österby's brand mark was OO. All iron was branded with that mark. The Österby ironproducts were highly valued in England for the production of blister steel by the cementation process. The historical complex of Österbybruk is a "Vallonbruk", a social and economic building complex surrounding a forge. Österbybruk is one of the most beautiful examples of the remains of the presence and input of Walloon immigrants ('valloner') in Sweden in the 17th century. More than 1.200 families emigrated in that era to Sweden, where the expertise of Walloon master blacksmiths was highly sought after. They helped to launch the Swedish iron and metal industry. The number of their descendants is estimated today between 500.000 and 1 million people.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 21.26 in (54 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1825
  • Condition:
    Very Good. Minor soiling. Outer edge on the lower right a wrinkle. Please study the images carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Bg-13670-321stDibs: LU3054338099822
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