This exquisite late-19th-century illustration by Swedish artist David Ljungdahl (1870-1940) depicts a view in Stockholm. Ljungdahl was an accomplished painter, illustrator and entomologist.
Ljungdahl’s rendering of this extensive scene captures the minutiae with precise handling and careful observation. The details are extraordinary. Ahead, we see the grand exterior of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the monarch. While on the right, numerous figures promenade on the small island of Helgeandsholmen before the Parliament House, an impressive neo-Baroque edifice.
However, all is not what it seems as the parliament building was completed in 1905 and the work is signed 1898. Hence, it’s plausible that Ljungdahl was working with an architect to create a vision of the completed project. On close inspection, there are some minor differences between the finished design and this proposal, including the addition of two finials at either end.
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.
Signed/dated in the lower left and framed.
Learn more about David Ljungdahl in our directory.
Medium: Mixed media on paper
Overall size: 32” x 23” / 82cm x 58cm
Year of creation: 1898
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Minor unobtrusive tear towards the top. Frame in good condition with areas of age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV1969
