David Ljungdahl was an accomplished painter, illustrator and entomologist.
Born in Motala, Sweden, Ljungdahl studied initially at Stockholm’s technical school before enrolling at the Art Academy, where he produced numerous works both in oil and lead. His early landscapes were exceedingly thorough with each surface meticulously rendered - he approached the tonal nuances of moss with as much care as the occasional wandering figure.
Alongside these, he undertook illustrative work for various publications, including depictions of interesting bits of architecture, such as the water tower in Djursholm. Evidently, he was an artist who favoured precision over liberal creativity. Following graduation, the young aspirant trained at Axel Tallberg’s etching school - the leading course of its type in Sweden.
Ljungdahl spent the mainstay of his career working as an illustrator for books, magazines and entomological studies, while also teaching. His oeuvre includes cover illustrations for much-loved novels plus hundreds of exacting drawings for the monumental publication, ‘Swedish Butterflies’. He’s also noted as a model maker.
He’s represented in numerous public collections, including at the British Museum, National Gallery of Ireland, Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, and Gothenburg Art Museum.
Exhibited
Swedish Artists Association, Art Association for Southern Sweden, Swedish Art in Helsingborg, Art and Industry Exhibition in Norrköping, Industrial Crafts and Art Exhibition in Lund.
Public Collections
British Museum, National Gallery of Ireland, Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Gothenburg Art Museum.
Timeline
1870
Born in Motala, Sweden to Petter Vilhelm Ljungdahl, a master tailor, and Lovisa Bergqvist.
1886-1892
Studied at the Technical School in Stockholm.
1894-1895
Studied at the Art Academy in Stockholm.
1896
Married Lovisa Augusta Borgh.
Enrolled at Axel Tallberg’s etching school.
1910
Lived in Stockholm with his wife and children.
1912
Worked as a teacher at the Technical School and later at the Technical University in Stockholm.
1915
The Second Jungle Book by David Ljungdahl.
1935-1941
Produced illustrations for the work ‘Swedish Butterflies’.
1940
Died in Stockholm.