This evocative early-20th-century oil painting by Swedish artist Gunnar Weinberg (1876-1959) depicts a seated lady wearing a dark purple dress with a fur wrap and jewellery. Weinberg was a painter, draughtsman and illustrator known primarily for portraits, town scenes, and landscapes.
Produced in 1906, following a decade of training, the style and character of this piece remind us of the foremost society portraitist in Sweden, Anders Zorn (1860-1920). Note the confident variety of marks with a finer quality applied to the facial features, while the dress is rendered with looser handling. There’s spirit too - her expression suggests depth, astuteness, and intensity - she connects with the viewer.
Born in Gothenburg, Weinberg trained initially at the Crafts Association in his hometown before moving to Stockholm to further his development. Here, he enrolled at the Higher Art Industrial School and subsequently the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts.
His academic training was predominantly formulaic and tended to look back to the old masters, rather than forward. Students were encouraged to study models from antiquity in a relatively conservative environment. A precocious talent, during his time there, he was awarded two medals of distinction, the Chancellor's Medal (1904) and the Royal Medal (1905). Numerous exhibitions followed and patrons soon clamoured for his attention.
In 1907, with his career gaining traction, he travelled with fellow artist Karl Isakson to France, specifically Toulouse, Carcassonne, Perpignan and the radiant coastal commune of Banyuls-sur-Mer. Like so many Scandinavian artists over the years, he was captivated by the irrepressible Mediterranean light, the sun-enriched scenery, and the appetite for artistry.
Next, the pair relocated to the enchanting village of Cività d'Antino in Spain where they attended a painting school run by Kristian Zahrtmann. Located over 900 metres above sea level, the panoramic views from this mountainous destination were astonishing. Zahrtmann was a pioneer, one of the foremost figures in the evolution of Danish painting. Every Summer he’d travel to Cività d'Antino and host numerous artists, each enriched with his insightful tuition and inspired by the scenery.
Weinberg’s experiences under Zahrtmann were seemingly transformative as his style altered considerably after his time there. He soon developed as a colourist and injected a profound sense of individualistic expression. It’s likely that he was instructed to work directly from nature as his landscapes often feel impulsive. When back in Sweden, he was praised by critics for his depictions of the quaint fishing villages of Bohuslän, such as Gullholmen and Fjällbacka.
As the years passed, his approach continued to evolve as he moved further away from his academic roots and closer to Swedish modernism. He’s represented in several public collections including at Gripsholm Castle, the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Gothenburg Art Museum, and Helsingborg Museum.
Signed/dated in the lower left and held in a later frame.
Learn more about Gunnar Weinberg in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 32” x 41” / 81cm x 104cm
Year of creation: 1906
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Cleaned. Craquelure in areas. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV1857
