Swedish artist Jonas Åkesson is regarded as one of the foremost portrait painters from the Skåne region of Sweden. His expressive and often enigmatic portraits were regarded highly during his lifetime and resulted in several awards.

1879

Born in Malmö, Sweden to farmer, Ola Åkesson, and Lovisa Larsson.

As a young man, he worked as an apprentice painter in Malmö.

1901

Admitted to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm and studied under Gustaf Cederström (1845-1933).

1903

Awarded the Academy’s Royal Medal.

1904-1905

Studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris.

1905

Received an honourable mention at the Paris Salon.

1909

Married Margareta Hjertström.

Travelled to the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and Spain.

1910-1911

Returned to Paris where he exhibited portraits at the Salon.

1928

Married Baroness Elsa Gyllenstierna.

1929

Birth of son, Ola.

1932

Birth of son, Christian.

1937

Birth of son, Thorkel.

1970

Died in Bjärred, Sweden.