This charming Lowry-esque late 19th-century oil painting by Swedish artist Ernst Philip De Fine Licht (1855-1929) depicts the old town hall at Helsingborg, Sweden. De Fine Licht was a grocer who practised art in his spare time.

Standing rather proudly before the Øresund strait, the old town hall was both a notable landmark and a hive of activity. Constructed in 1800, it housed numerous local services including the general council chamber, prison facilities, magistrate’s office and archival material. It’s conceivable that the three gentlemen conversing outside, along with the police officer standing in the doorway, are heading home for the day. As we can see from the clock tower, it’s around 5.05pm.

Did you spot the iconic Kronborg Castle in the distance?

During the 1860s, due to the rapid expansion of the city, discussions began surrounding the town hall’s future and it was ultimately replaced in 1897. It’s plausible that De Fine Licht was aware of these plans and captured a view of the hall for posterity. In fact, he’s known to have painted the same view at least twice, with the other work at a local museum. Very little is known about him aside from his primary occupation, which was as a dealer/grocer. He appears to have lived in the city throughout his life.

Held in a contemporary frame.

Learn more about Ernst Philip De Fine Licht in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 41½” x 30½” / 105cm x 78cm
Year of creation: c. 1877
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Craquelure throughout. Later stretcher. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV1989