Sweden - Figurative Paintings

Månglitter is a luminous nocturne that captures the tranquil radiance of moonlight dancing across a still expanse of water. In this atmospheric composition, a lone rowboat rests at t...

Follower of Johann Heinrich Tischbein the Elder (1722–1789) Man with Bagpipes oil on oak panel no signature 25 × 19 cm (9.8 × 7.5 in) 31 x 26 cm (12.2 x 10.2 in) This refined 18th...

This evocative oil painting, titled Studio Muse, depicts a seated nude in a quiet moment of contemplation. The model is shown in profile, resting on a simple wooden stool against a n...

This evocative 19th century oil painting on canvas portrays a tender moment as a fisherman returns with his catch to his two daughters on the tranquil, moonlit shores of a sea bay b...

Fritz Lindström (1874–1962) Mountain Landscape (Pyrenees), 1928 oil on panel unframed 15.5 × 24 cm (6.1 × 9.4 in) framed: 26 × 34 cm (10.2 × 13.4 in) signed on the reverse Frame by...

This small oil painting on board (21.5 x 33 cm) is a rare early work by Swedish landscape painter Carl Johansson (1863–1944). Painted during the artist’s 1894 travels to the Canary I...

Carl Flodman (1863-1888) Swede A Harbor Scene from 1884 oil on wood panel signed and dated C.Flodman 84 unframed: 13 x 21 cm (5 1/8 x 8 1/4 in) framed: 29 x 37.5 cm (11 3/8 x 14 3/...

Karl Adloff’s View of Koblenz from the Rhine towards the Fortress of Ehrenbreitstein (1855) is a luminous and atmospheric river scene that draws the viewer into a moment of stillness...

This small, tenderly rendered painting— titled The Poor Girl (Den fattiga flickan)—offers a rare glimpse into Julius Kronberg’s early period, when he w...

This striking devotional image, painted by a follower of Jan Gossaert, represents one of the most influential compositions of the Northern Renaissance: Christ on the Cold Stone, or C...

This exquisite painting, titled "Rocky Path With Figures" is a captivating example of Thomas Barker of Bath's talent. Despite its small size, measuring only 13 x 11 cm, this piece sh...

Anton Genberg’s coastal painting captures a tranquil harbor scene along Sweden’s west coast. In this 1923 oil painting, a cluster of weathered boathouses stands by the water’s edge, ...

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...

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:...

We are pleased to offer this exquisite mid-19th century French painting, a serene landscape that beautifully captures the tranquility of rural life. This piece is signed "Ph ..." (th...

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...

This compelling portrait, recently studied by Stéphane Pinta of the esteemed Cabinet Turquin in Paris, has been confidently attributed to the Austrian painter Matthäus (Matthias) Lod...

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...

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

German School, 1700s The Road to Emmaus oil on panel unframed: 24.3 x 17.5 cm (9.6 x 6.9 inches) framed: 34.5 x 28 cm (13.6 x 11 inches) Provenance: Swedish author and artist Amel...

A vibrant composition or portrait in a constructivist style by artist Lars Englund (born 1933), signed and dated "LED 56" (1956). This is an early work by the artist in which he has ...

Artist: Adriaen van Stalbemt (Stalbempt) 1580-1662 Title: Abraham and the Sacrifice of His Son Isaac “Das Opfer des Abraham” According to the Old...

Anonymous, Cuzco School A Portrait of Archangel Raphael With Fish oil on canvas 1800s canvas dimensions 22.24 x 15.74 inches (56.5 x 40 cm) frame ...

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...

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 ...

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

This evocative Veronese School painting captures the moment in the Garden of Gethsemane when Christ, overwhelmed with sorrow, prays to God before his arrest and crucifixion. Supporte...

This evocative landscape by Axel Edvard Peter captures the serene beauty of nature with remarkable skill. Painted in 1918, the scene depicts a wooden rowboat resting in still waters beneath the sheltering branches of a lush tree. The dappled sunlight filtering through the foliage creates a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, while the artist’s use of short, expressive brushstrokes imbues the composition with a vibrant, almost impressionistic quality. The rich greens and golden hues of the landscape reflect Peter’s mastery of color and atmosphere. Axel Peter was a Swedish painter known for his distinctive artistic voice, shaped by his studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm and further training in Paris and Germany. He was part of the influential Opponents’ Movement (Opponentrörelsen) of 1885, alongside artists such as Richard Bergh, Nils Kreuger, and Eugène Jansson...

This finely executed oil painting, attributed to the circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich, captures the contemplative expression of an elderly man, his gaze lowered in quiet re...

We are pleased to offer a captivating portrait, most likely painted in the late 18th century, attributed to an artist within the circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich. This oil ...

Jacob Ochtervelt (Workshop) The Grape Seller oil on canvas unframed: 80.7 x 61 cm.; 31 ¾ x 24 in. framed: 109.5 x 89 cm.; 43 1/8 x 35 in. Essay: This captivating piece, originating from the studio of the revered Dutch artist Jacob Ochtervelt, mirrors the composition of a signed and dated 1669 canvas by Ochtervelt that is presently housed in the Hermitage museum. Its subject, "The Grape Seller" immerses us in a typical 17th-century interior, replete with characters from various strata of society. At the center, a fruit vendor is depicted bending over to weigh grapes for the buyer. A child hands some of the grapes to her mother to taste, their attentive maid standing by. The backdrop showcases typical Ochtervelt details: a hint of the city visible through the doorway, light filtering in through an overhead window, and a playful dog at their side. The exquisite quality of the piece is evident in the minutiae, such as the intricate detailing of the mother's earring, which in reality spans only a few millimeters yet boasts impressive attention to detail. Initially, Sotheby's considered this work to be an autograph piece by Ochtervelt. But due to some uncertainty, it was auctioned as Workshop of Jacob Ochtervelt. On the other hand, the esteemed Cabinet Turquin in Paris leans toward attributing the piece directly to Jacob Ochtervelt himself. The painting is framed in an authentic period frame, which has been delicately restored by Stockholm's Förgyllning och Bildhuggeri. The frame retains its age-old patina and, while in used condition, has minor imperfections adding to its charm. Another interesting thing worth to mention is the painting's provenance. It was once owned by the 1st Viscount Rothermere (1868-1940), the founder of the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror...

The painting captures a wonderfully amusing family moment set in the 16th century. In the center of the painting we see the father, exhausted by worries and dozing in his chair in fr...

In The Wool Winder, Emma Ekwall captures a moment of quiet domestic intimacy between a young woman and a man as they wind wool together—she with focused care, he with gentle attentiv...

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) Dancer Tying Her Shoes, c. 1916 (Dansösen knyter sina skor, c.1916) oil on canvas unframed 102 x 80 cm Provenance: Within the fami...

Flemish 1600s School The Card Players oil on oak panel panel dimensions 22.5 x 20 cm frame included Provenance: From a Swedish private collection. Condition: Flat and stabl...

Olof Arborelius (1842-1915) Sweden Landscape, likely from the Uddevalla area oil on canvas signed O.Arb.s  unframed: 25 x 35 cm (9 7/8 x 13 3/4 in) framed: 43.5 x 53 cm (17 1/8 x 2...

This captivating maritime painting, likely the work of an English artist, dates to the late 19th century and showcases a masterful command of light and texture. The composition featu...

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...

This remarkable painting by Swedish artist Per Wickenberg captures a serene Dutch winter scene at sunset, showcasing his mastery of atmospheric light and dramatic composition. Create...

Olle Hjortzberg (1872-1959) Sweden Portrait of a Young Boy in Red oil on board signed with monogram OH  unframed 41 x 31.5 cm (16 1/8 x 12 3/8 in) framed 51 x 41.5 cm (20 1/8 x 16 ...

Acquired directly from the artist. Free shipment worldwide. Painted on the sides. No frame needed. The work of Antonio de Felipe is a constant source of fascination and surprises. ...

Evening Glow by Gustav Andreas Gehlin This exquisite oil painting, "Evening Glow," is a captivating work by the Swedish artist and photographer Gustav Andreas Gehlin. He studied un...

This delightful painting by the renowned Victorian genre and landscape artist Henry John Yeend King captures the serene charm of the English countryside. Depicting an idyllic riversi...

An oriental odalisque standing holding her hands together upwards against the side of her head. Behind her a drapery and to the right further back an opening towards a terass with su...

Jacob Ochtervelt (Workshop) The Grape Seller oil on canvas unframed: 80.7 x 61 cm.; 31 ¾ x 24 in. framed: 109.5 x 89 cm.; 43 1/8 x 35 in. Essay: Th...

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...

This exquisite portrait, with its new attribution to Theodore Russel, is believed to depict Lady Penelope O'Brien, daughter of Barnabas O'Brien, the sixth Earl of Thomond, and wife of the Earl of Peterborough, whom she married in 1644. The painting thus belongs to a historically significant period, capturing the refined elegance of the time. The portrait has a prestigious provenance from Elleholms Hofgård, a historic estate in Mörrums socken, Blekinge, Sweden. Elleholms Hofgård, whose two-story, timber-framed main building was constructed in 1730 and expanded in 1804, has changed ownership several times since the 17th century. The ancestors of the present owners acquired the estate in 1915, and from the 20th century until 2023, this painting was prominently displayed in the estate’s main building, making it an integral part of the estate’s history. Theodore Russel, an English portrait artist born in 1614, studied under the renowned Sir Anthony van Dyck, whose influence can be seen in Russel’s meticulous style. Russel often painted on cabinet-sized panels, such as this one, which measures approximately 39 x 31 cm. This preference for panels is a notable characteristic that sets him apart from contemporary artists like Sir Peter Lely, who exclusively used canvas. The size of the panel is a key reason for the reattribution to Russel from Peter lely, as Lely never used panels for his works. This distinctive format, along with Russel’s characteristic style, strongly supports the new attribution. Russel, the son of Nicasius Rousseel, a goldsmith and jeweler to James I and Charles I, refined his skills under the mentorship of his uncle, the famous portrait painter Cornelis Janssen. He also worked as an assistant and copyist for van Dyck, further honing his artistic style. This captivating portrait exemplifies Russel’s craftsmanship, reflecting the elegance of the period’s fashion and the artist's refined techniques. oil on wood panel with indistinct inscription Countess of Peter[...] upper left. with inscription on the reverse: ”Countess of Peterborough. P. Lely 1670. S Beatty Picture Restorer [...] Warwick”. unframed 39 x 31 cm = 15.35 x 12.2 inches framed 52 x 41.5 cm = 20.47 x 16.34 inches Condition: The portrait has just been restored by a professional art conservator in Stockholm and is now in a very good condition. The colors are vivid, and the skin tones appear more natural than before. It is a very fine painting. The frame is newly made and included. Provenance: Elleholms Hofgård, Mörrums socken, Blekinge, Sweden **; Stockholms Auktionsverk, Fine Art & Antiques Autumn...

This painting by Elisabeth Keyser beautifully captures a scenic view from the northern city wall of Visby, near Lübeckerbräschen. The landscape showcases a stretch of coastline leadi...

We are pleased to offer a captivating portrait, most likely painted in the late 18th century, attributed to an artist within the circle of Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich. This oil ...

We are pleased to present this painting by Ernst Lundström, dedicated to the esteemed sculptor Per Hasselberg. The dedication on the front of the painting makes this piece particular...

This painting by Ture Ander, created in 1917, depicts a serene landscape from Värmland, Sweden. At the center of the composition is a large tree, likely a deciduous species, as suggested by the hints of autumn seen in both the tree and the meadow below it. The short brushstrokes used to depict the leaves and grass evoke a sense of movement and texture, typical of the early 20th-century artistic style. Another beautiful detail is the bluish-tinted forested mountains in the background, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. Ture Ander played a significant role in the Racken group (Rackstadkolonin), an important artistic collective in Sweden at the time. Ander was born on September 17 in Askers socken, Örebro. At the age of 13, he became an apprentice painter in Stockholm, attending evening classes at the Technical School (now known as Konstfack) while working during the day. He earned his journeyman’s certificate in 1902, and the following year, he graduated from the Technical School with the highest honors in painting. In 1905, he was accepted into the Konstnärsförbundets skola (School of the Artists' Association), where he studied alongside notable artists like Leander Engström, Isaac Grünewald, and Einar Nerman...

In the foreground, we see two conquistadors and three natives accompanying them landing on the shore, presumably on a reconnaissance mission in an unfamiliar bay. Perhaps they are in...

This delightful painting by Carl Ewald Lönngren captures a serene moment of rural life in late 19th-century Sweden. The scene shows a mother kneeling by a wash basin, surrounded by h...

This tender scene by German artist Georg Buchner captures a quiet, intimate moment: a young girl carefully watering a potted plant on a windowsill. The warm light gently illuminates ...

This luminous and finely executed painting by August Hagborg captures three nude women preparing to bathe at the edge of a still, tree-lined body of water. One figure is seated on a ...

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...

This charming naivist painting by Swedish artist Olof (Olle) Casimir Ågren (1874–1962) depicts a horse standing gracefully beside a tree. Executed with bold, textured brushstrokes an...

"Harvest Scene With Farmer and Scythe, 1886" is a captivating painting by the Swedish artist Alfred Thörne. Created during his travels through Germany, France, Italy, and Belgium bet...

A Rare and Significant Discovery. We are pleased to offer this newly discovered vanitas still life by the enigmatic German artist Johann Andreas von Düwens (?-1716). Titled "Vanitas...

Attributed Charles François Grenier de Lacroix or Charles - François Lacroix de Marseille (1700 - 1782) as signed lower left on the stone “Lacroix”. The scene of the departure of nobles on a ship, somewhere among the Mediterranean landscapes at sunrise. Lacroix's sense of color and attention to detail are particularly impressive: the sea is calm, the sun is rising and as a soft pink hue begins to emerge in the clouds, the morning haze has not yet cleared and the air is clear and clean, large ship...