This early to mid-20th-century oil painting by Swedish artist Axel Erdmann (1873-1954) depicts a view from the island of Kastellholmen, Stockholm.
With Stockholm’s historic skyline providing a picturesque backdrop, a group of friends sit to chat. Washing hangs on a nearby line.
Kastellholmen is known for its citadel, a small naval 17th-century fort atop a hill, which guarded Stockholm from potential foes. It was used as a lookout and famous for its forked Swedish flag, which flies majestically when all is well. But signifies trouble when it’s absent.
Erdmann knew the island well and often painted the various environs of the capital. Perhaps he too rested here awhile with friends while admiring the vista.
It’s an intelligent piece with a challenging composition, particularly due to the inclusion of a tree which divides the canvas. It’s dated 1919-1948, so presumably, it took almost 30 years to complete.
Signed/dated lower right and framed.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 45½” x 30½” / 116cm x 77cm
Year of creation: 1919-1948
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £3,652
Olof Axel Ferdinand Erdmann (1890-1954) was an accomplished Swedish painter of landscapes, cityscapes, harbour scenes and figures. He was also a published folklorist. He trained at the Artists' Union's painting school under the eminent Anders Zorn, among others, and his works are held in numerous public collections.
Learn more about Axel Erdmann in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
