Anton Genberg - Lakeside at Gärdsvik, Ljusterö, 1891

Anton Genberg (1862-1939) Sweden

Lakeside at Gärdsvik, Ljusterö, 1891

oil on canvas
signed and dated
unframed 72 x 92 cm (28 ⅜ x 36 ¼ in)
framed 90 x 109 cm (35 ½ x 42 ⅞ in)

In the soft evening light, a lone figure rows a small boat across the calm water, while tall reeds fringe the quiet shoreline in the foreground. Rolling wooded hills embrace the lake in the distance, their forms gently silhouetted against a sky suffused with the delicate colours of dusk. The composition’s muted, harmonious palette of twilight hues evokes a profound sense of peace and timelessness.

Set in Gärdsvik, one of the oldest villages on the island of Ljusterö, this scene reflects the historic charm and natural beauty of the Stockholm archipelago. Genberg even inscribed the location in his signature (“A. Genberg Gärdsvik 1891”), indicating that he painted the view on site and underscoring the significance of this place to the work. Gärdsvik, nestled on Ljusterö about 65 km north of Stockholm, has long been known for its tranquil coastal vistas – a character that Genberg distilled elegantly in this painting. 

Completed in 1891, Gärdsvik is an early – and therefore particularly significant – work in Anton Genberg’s career. At the time it was created, Genberg was still in the formative stages of his artistic journey, having completed his formal art studies just a couple of years prior. This canvas offers insight into his developing style and mastery of light, years before he rose to prominence for his iconic snow-laden mountain landscapes of northern Sweden. 

The Artist
Anton Genberg was a prominent Swedish landscape painter, celebrated for his Naturalist style and evocative portrayals of the Nordic wilderness. Born in Östersund in 1862, he trained in Stockholm at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts (1884–1889), where he studied under noted instructors such as Oscar Törnå and Per Daniel Holm. Over the following decades, Genberg became especially renowned for his depictions of snowy mountain scenes in Norrland, as well as idyllic vistas of regions like Dalarna and Jämtland. His ability to capture the atmosphere and light of the Scandinavian landscape earned him widespread acclaim.

Genberg exhibited widely during his career: he held shows at Stockholm’s esteemed Konstnärshuset and participated in international exhibitions in cities such as Berlin, St. Louis, Buenos Aires and Munich. A major highlight was his participation in the Baltic Exhibition of 1914, which further cemented his reputation on the world stage. He was also active in the art community, serving as Vice-Chairman of the Swedish Artists’ Association (Svenska konstnärernas förening) and later being elected a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1922. Today, Genberg’s works are held in important museum collections – including Sweden’s Nationalmuseum and Moderna Museet.

Condition Report:
The painting has recently undergone professional conservation. The surface, previously dulled by accumulated dirt, has been carefully cleaned and now presents with much greater clarity. It is assessed to be in very good condition. The original frame is well preserved, showing only minor flaws consistent with age.