Oskar Bergman - Vaxholmsfjärden, 1932

Oskar Bergman (1879-1963) Sweden

Vaxholmsfjärden (Vaxholm Bay), 1932

oil on masonite board
signed and dated OSKAR BERGMAN 1932 
unframed 40.5 × 55.5 cm (15.9 × 21.9 in) 
framed 52 × 67 cm (20.5 × 26.4 in) 

Essay:
A dramatic breakthrough of sunlight illuminates the waters of Vaxholm Bay (Vaxholmsfjärden) in this 1932 oil painting by Swedish artist Oskar Bergman. The composition captures the ethereal quality of the Stockholm archipelago, with the islands of Rågholmen to the left and Hästholmen to the right emerging in silhouette beneath a vivid, cloud-split sky. The luminous reflection on the rippling water and the radiant sun piercing through the clouds are central to the painting’s atmospheric power. Vaxholm, often described as the gateway to the Stockholm archipelago, was a recurring subject in Bergman’s landscape work and exemplifies his deep engagement with Sweden’s coastal environments.

Bergman’s portrayal of Vaxholmsfjärden reflects his lifelong fascination with nature’s changing light and seasonal transitions. He frequently returned to the Stockholm archipelago in search of motifs, often painting from the same locations at different times of year. His mastery of light is evident in this painting’s balanced interplay between natural drama and quiet luminosity, where every detail – from the shifting water to the filtered sunlight – is rendered with exceptional precision.

Oskar Bergman (1879–1963) was a Swedish painter known for his detailed and lyrical landscapes. Although largely self-taught, he developed a refined naturalistic style that remained consistent throughout his career, even as other movements took hold in Swedish art. He worked extensively in both watercolor and oil, and his paintings are typically devoid of human figures, allowing unspoiled nature to take center stage. Bergman was especially drawn to the forests, gardens, and islands of central Sweden, including the archipelago areas around Stockholm.

Vaxholm and its surrounding waters appear in several of Bergman’s known works, including other oil and watercolor compositions painted in the early 1930s. These repeated explorations reveal his dedication to capturing the unique atmosphere and fleeting light effects of the region. 

Provenance: German private collection.

Condition Report: The painting is in very good condition. It underwent professional conservation in 2025 by Sonia Leon in Stockholm. A previously discolored varnish layer was carefully removed, revealing the original brightness of the palette and the fine brushwork that had been partially obscured. The surface has been stabilized and the work is now restored to excellent visual integrity.