This early 20th-century oil painting by Swedish artist Carl Johansson (1863-1944) depicts a wintery view in Sollentunaholm, near Stockholm, Sweden.
A contorted birch, almost serpentine, leans towards other sinuous trees creating a visual gateway towards the woods. A lone cottage is buried, barely conspicuous, among several feet of snow. This was observed from life, with boots submerged in the crunch of winter. Snow-covered vistas are fascinating when radiantly lit on a crisp morning. The light seems particularly magnificent in these conditions, illuminating the subtle undulations and culminating in a soft purple glow.
Johansson was a rebel - a progressive artist influenced by the French Impressionists. Following a three-year spell at the formal Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, he joined ‘the Opponents’ and sought to embrace modernity. Here, we see his philosophies in action - applied with texture, feeling and mood.
Signed/dated lower right and held within a fine gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 45½” x 35” / 116cm x 89cm
Year of creation: c. 1930
Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £36,318
Carl Johansson trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm. He participated in the World Exhibition in Paris in 1889 and was elected a member of the Academy in 1934. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the National Museum, Stockholm, and the Swedish State's collection at Gripsholm Castle.
Learn more about Carl Johansson 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.
