This intriguing late 19th-century oil painting by Swedish artist Carl Jakob Kulle (1838-1898) depicts a man deep in thought as he rests his arms on a stable door. We only catch a glimpse of the scenery but perhaps he’s looking across a field towards a distant horizon.

Kulle was an interesting man and, when he created this in circa 1890, he was involved in various projects. Alongside his work as a painter, he also created weaving schools as he had a fondness for folk handicrafts. It appears that, together with his sister Thora Kulle, he did a great deal for the local community.

Could this be a self-portrait?

Signed and framed.

Learn more about Jakob Kulle in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 16½” x 19½” /42 cm x 50cm
Year of creation: c. 1890
Condition: Artwork presents well. Minor scuffing around the edges. Frame with some light wear and repairs.
Artist’s auction highlight: £6,776 achieved for an oil painting in 2007.