This early 20th-century oil painting by Swedish artist David Tägtström (1894-1981) depicts a seated woman referred to as ‘Hegert’.

Leaning forward as if listening intently to a family conversation, she clasps her hands. The veins visible through a pale complexion. Her eyes, heavy and thoughtful, are alive with stories. She’s astute, experienced, and tired.

Tägtström painted Hegert in 1930 when she was 47. An inscription on the reverse reveals that she was born in 1883 and divorced in 1904. It’s unclear who she married but there’s a reference to the name ‘Tillen’. The ancestry records have yielded little information.

The remarkable quality of this exquisite portrait is its sense of reality. She’s human and raw, not embellished or romanticised. One can imagine speaking with her, hearing the tales of her life. Taking tea in a comfortable parlour.

Tägtström spent several years in the USA shortly before completing this portrait but given her name, we feel she’s probably Swedish.

It’s a majestic example of his work.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 31½” x 38” / 80cm x 97cm
Year of creation: 1930
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £2,364
Our reference: BRV1619

David Tägtström

David Tägtström was a Swedish artist predominantly known as one of Sweden’s leading figures in drypoint engraving. He was also an accomplished portraitist, completing works for Queen Louise, Prince Eugen, and the Swedish Parliament. His artistic education was diverse and thorough, training under Emerik Stenberg, Axel Tallberg and the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts where was later elected a member. The National Museum holds examples of his work.

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