Produits

Eric Johansson (1896-1979) Sweden/Germany

Woman with Red Bow, 1940

oil on wood panel
signed on the back of the panel
dated 1940
unframed 60 x 54 cm
framed 71.5 x 66 cm 

Provenance: 
A Swedish private collection

Conditon: 
Very good condition, restored by a professional art restorer in 2024. Its original frame has an old patina and minor flaws. 

Eric Johansson's "Woman with Red Bow" (1940)

We are delighted to present for sale the evocative portrait “Woman with Red Bow” by the distinguished artist Eric Johansson, painted in 1940. This exquisite artwork portrays a woman seated by a window, holding a cigarette, her thoughtful gaze suggesting a narrative rich with introspection. The bold red bow tied around her neck contrasts strikingly with her dark attire, emphasizing her poised presence.

The scene, set in Täby just outside Stockholm, is imbued with a serene atmosphere, capturing a moment of quiet reflection. The bare trees visible through the window frame the subject against the muted tones of the backdrop, evoking a sense of stillness and contemplation. The painting, created during a time of global upheaval, invites viewers to ponder the woman’s inner world and the experiences she has endured.

About the Artist

Eric Johansson: A Journey Through Turbulent Times

Born in Dresden, Germany, in 1896, Eric Johansson was a talented artist whose life was deeply affected by the political upheavals of his time. Though relatively unknown in Sweden, Johansson achieved recognition as a notable expressionist abroad. His work, marked by vibrant expressions and emotional depth, was heavily influenced by the modernist movements of early 20th-century Europe, particularly the German expressionist collective "Die Brücke."

Growing up with German foster parents in a culturally rich Dresden, Johansson was immersed in an environment that nurtured his artistic ambitions. However, the rise of the Nazi regime in 1933 posed significant threats to his career and safety. Johansson, an outspoken critic of the regime and a member of the Communist Party, was also married to a Jewish woman. These factors made him a target for persecution. His art was deemed "degenerate" by the Nazis, and his works were displayed alongside other modernist masterpieces in the notorious Degenerate art (Entartete Kunst) exhibition, which aimed to discredit and condemn modernist art.

Despite his Swedish citizenship providing some initial protection, Johansson faced increasing danger. A casual remark about Hermann Göring led to his imprisonment for four months. Following his release, Johansson managed to escape from Germany, journeying through Czechoslovakia and Poland before finally finding refuge in Sweden, where he spent the rest of his life.

Johansson's body of work, much of which was tragically lost or destroyed during the Nazi purges, serves as a poignant testament to his resilience and artistic spirit. His paintings, once denigrated by the Nazis, now stand as enduring symbols of defiance and the power of creative expression in the face of oppression.

The Significance of "Woman with Red Bow"

Painted in 1940, as Europe was engulfed in the turmoil of World War II, "Woman with Red Bow" reflects a moment of deep contemplation and tranquility. The woman's serene yet enigmatic presence symbolizes a personal and collective resilience during a time of widespread uncertainty. The vibrant red bow serves as both a striking visual element and a symbol of strength amidst adversity.

Erik Abrahamsson (1871-1907) Sweden

Lake Landscape at Dusk with a Rowboat, 1896

oil on canvas
signed and dated E.Abrahamsson 1896
unframed 33 x 40 cm (12.99 x 15.75 inches)
framed 44 x 51 cm (17.32 x 20.08 inches)

Condition:
This painting has been restored by a professional art conservator in 2024. The colors are now vivid and vibrant, looking as fresh as when Erik Abrahamsson originally painted it in 1896. A newly crafted gold frame is included in the purchase, complementing the artwork beautifully.

Essay:
"Lake Landscape at Dusk with a Rowboat" is a captivating oil painting by the Swedish artist Erik Abrahamsson. Created in 1896, this work masterfully captures the tranquil beauty of a lakeside landscape bathed in the warm, fading light of dusk.

The painting is dominated by a serene lake, its surface reflecting the fiery hues of the sunset sky. The transition from the soft orange and pink tones of the horizon to the deeper blues of the evening creates a stunning visual gradient. The sky is dotted with wispy clouds, tinged with the last rays of the sun.

In the foreground, the shoreline is rugged and shadowed, providing a stark contrast to the illuminated water. A solitary rowboat glides gently across the calm lake, emphasizing the stillness and peace of the scene. Along the water’s edge, tall grasses sway subtly, adding a touch of movement to the otherwise tranquil setting.

On the left, a cluster of dark pine trees rises against the sky, their silhouettes standing out sharply against the vivid backdrop. In the middle distance, small, cozy farmhouses can be seen, their red roofs just visible as twilight descends.

This painting exemplifies Abrahamsson's skill in portraying natural light and his keen eye for capturing the serene beauty of the Swedish landscape.

The Artist:

Erik Abrahamsson (March 12, 1871 – January 15, 1907) was a Swedish painter and graphic artist. Born and died in Stockholm, Abrahamsson developed his craft through rigorous study and a natural talent for capturing the Nordic environment.

He honed his skills at the prestigious Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts from 1890 to 1896 and further advanced his techniques in etching during 1895-1896 under the guidance of Axel Tallberg. In addition to his studies, Abrahamsson worked as an engraver for the Swedish Postal Service starting in 1891, a position that influenced his meticulous attention to detail.

Though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 35, Abrahamsson was celebrated for his promising career as a graphic artist. His oeuvre, albeit limited due to his untimely death, includes finely executed plates featuring evocative landscapes. 

Erik Tryggelin (1878–1962) Sweden

Autumn in Vadstena with Lake Vättern, 25–26 October 1930

signed and dated lower right E. Tryggelin 26/10 1930
inscribed lower left Vadstena 25/10
oil on canvas laid on masonite
unframed 18.5 x 24 cm (7.3 x 9.4 in)
framed 26 x 31 cm (10.2 x 12.2 in)
presented in a frame with burr veneer

Provenance:
Private collection Sweden

Essay:
This lively city view from Vadstena was executed over two consecutive days in late October 1930. Erik Tryggelin records the scene with remarkable immediacy, capturing the fleeting atmosphere of an autumn afternoon near the shore of Lake Vättern. The lake itself appears in the distance, forming a cool horizon behind the town, while the foreground is animated by the movement of wind through the branches of a large tree whose leaves glow in warm autumn colours.

The composition centres on this tree, which spreads its branches across the upper part of the painting. Loose, flickering brushstrokes suggest leaves swirling in the air, their tones of orange, yellow, and rose set against a soft blue sky. The effect is impressionistic and spontaneous. Tryggelin allows the brushwork to remain visible, creating a sense of motion and seasonal change. The autumn wind becomes almost palpable as scattered leaves drift across the street.

Below the tree a small urban scene unfolds. A seated figure rests on a bench with a book?, absorbed in quiet reading, while other figures pass along the street. Their forms are lightly suggested rather than carefully defined. This economy of detail allows the viewer to focus on the atmosphere of the moment rather than on individual portraiture. The buildings to the left recede into a gentle haze, their pale facades reflecting the diffused autumn light.

Vadstena offered Tryggelin a setting that combined urban intimacy with the expansive presence of Lake Vättern. The historic town, long associated with its medieval monastery and later with the Renaissance castle of Gustav Vasa, retains a calm and reflective character. In paintings such as this one the artist does not emphasize monumental architecture but instead observes the quieter rhythms of daily life: a street, a bench beneath a tree, and the distant shimmer of water.

Erik Tryggelin was born in Stockholm in 1878 and trained at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts before further studies in Paris. Throughout his career he worked as painter, draughtsman, printmaker, and photographer. His paintings often focus on atmospheric impressions of urban life, especially scenes at dusk or in changing weather. Places such as Stockholm, Visby, and Vadstena recur in his work, each providing opportunities to study light, movement, and everyday activity.

Condition report:
The painting is in very fine condition with clear and well preserved colours. The surface has recently been cleaned, revealing the freshness of the palette and the delicate brushwork. Small pinholes are visible at the corners, original to the artist’s method of displaying his works with drawing pins when exhibiting. 

Sources:
Nationalmuseum, artist records for Erik Tryggelin
Stockholms stadsmuseum, materials on Tryggelin as painter and photographer
Konstnärslexikonett Amanda, entry on Erik Tryggelin
General literature on Swedish urban painting of the early twentieth century

Erik Tryggelin (1878–1962) Sweden

Cloud Study over Lake Vättern, Vadstena, 7 September 1935

signed and dated lower right E. Tryggelin 7/9 1935
inscribed Vadstena
oil on canvas laid on masonite
unframed 19.5 × 25 cm (7.7 × 9.8 in)
framed 29.5 × 35.5 cm (11.6 × 14 in)

Provenance:
Swedish private collection

Essay:
This atmospheric landscape, executed in Vadstena on 7 September 1935, demonstrates Erik Tryggelin’s remarkable sensitivity to sky, light, and fleeting cloud formations. The composition is dominated by an expansive sky in which a dramatic cloud mass rises above the horizon. The largest cloud, glowing with warm tones of orange and rose against cooler blue and grey surroundings, takes on an almost anthropomorphic character. Its form suggests the profile of a figure with a pronounced nose, a playful visual effect that lends the scene a subtle sense of imagination and personality.

Below the sky stretches the open landscape around Lake Vättern. A shallow shoreline and calm water occupy the foreground, where the colours of the clouds are softly reflected across the surface. The reflections appear in broken strokes of gold, pink, and pale violet, suggesting the shifting light of late afternoon or early evening. These mirrored tones connect sky and earth, creating a gentle visual rhythm between the two halves of the painting.

Erik Tryggelin was born in Stockholm in 1878 and studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts before continuing his training in Paris. His artistic practice ranged across painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography. While he is widely known for his atmospheric views of Stockholm and other historic towns, the open landscapes around Vadstena provided him with an equally compelling subject. Here the vast horizon of Lake Vättern and the expansive sky allowed him to observe subtle changes of light, weather, and cloud formation.

Condition report:
The painting is in very fine condition with clear and well preserved colours. The paint surface remains stable and the delicate tonal transitions in the sky and reflections are well retained. Small pinholes are visible in the corners. The work is presented in a frame in good condition.

Erik Tryggelin (1878-1962) Sweden

Sankt Matteus Church, 1907

oil on board
signed and dated E.Tryggelin 3/5 1907
unframed 51 x 34.5 cm
framed 62 x 45.5 cm

Provenance: 
A Swedish private collection. 

Essay:
The painting we have for sale, executed by Swedish artist Erik Tryggelin on May 3rd, 1907, presents an atmospheric and dynamic view of Sankt Matteus Church in Stockholm. This piece is a prime example of Tryggelin's ability to blend figurative compositions with urban motifs, particularly capturing the evening moods of cityscapes. The church, set against a dramatic sky that swirls with tumultuous clouds and birds in flight, conveys a feeling of timelessness and stoic beauty amidst the changing weather.

Erik Tryggelin was not only a painter but also a skilled draftsman, printmaker, and photographer. His oeuvre primarily consists of city scenes and evening ambiences, especially from Stockholm, Visby, and Vadstena. 

Sankt Matteus Church, the subject of this painting, is the parish church in Sankt Matteus parish in the Stockholm diocese, located in the Vasastan area of central Stockholm. Erected based on the designs of architect Erik Lallerstedt at the intersection of Vanadisvägen and Dalagatan between 1901-1903, it originally served as a chapel in the then Adolf Fredrik's parish. The building exudes a mix of Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic styles, with its tall spire and ornate facades, which Tryggelin has masterfully captured in this painting.

Tryggelin's work offers a glimpse into Stockholm's society at the dawn of the 20th century, a city caught between the old and the new, where traditional forms and emerging modernism intersected. His paintings, such as the one of Sankt Matteus Church, are significant for their cultural and historical value, capturing the essence of Stockholm’s architectural and cultural history. This piece is not only a visual treat but a fragment of Stockholm's soul, as seen through the eyes of a dedicated artist who chronicled the city's narrative with his brush.

Erik Tryggelin (1878–1962) Sweden

Storm Clouds over Vadstena, 8 August 1946

signed and dated lower right E. Tryggelin 8/8 1946
inscribed Vadstena lower left
oil on canvas laid on masonite
unframed 19.5 × 27.5 cm (7.7 × 10.8 in)
framed 30 × 39 cm (11.8 × 15.4 in)
presented in a new black frame with silver inner edge

Provenance:
Swedish private collection

Essay:
This expressive landscape was executed in Vadstena on 8 August 1946 and captures the dramatic moment just before or during a summer storm over the plains surrounding Lake Vättern. Erik Tryggelin focuses on the vast sky, where heavy clouds gather in powerful formations above the open landscape. The horizon lies low in the composition, allowing the sky to dominate the scene and emphasizing the movement and tension of the approaching weather.

The clouds are painted with broad and fluid brushstrokes that blend tones of blue, grey, violet, and warm rose. Their shifting colours suggest changing light within the storm front. In the left part of the sky a sharp flash of lightning breaks through the cloud mass, illuminating the atmosphere for a brief instant. This striking detail gives the painting a sense of immediacy, as if the artist recorded the scene directly while observing the storm over the landscape.

Below the dramatic sky stretches the flat countryside around Vadstena. Fields extend toward the distant horizon, while a cluster of trees appears to the right, providing a quiet counterbalance to the turbulent sky above. The land itself is rendered with calm horizontal strokes, reinforcing the contrast between the stillness of the ground and the restless movement of the clouds.

Erik Tryggelin often painted small, quickly executed studies that captured fleeting atmospheric conditions. Although he is widely known for his views of Stockholm and other historic towns, landscapes such as this one reveal his deep interest in light, weather, and the changing moods of nature. His training at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts and later studies in Paris exposed him to impressionist methods, which can be seen here in the loose brushwork and the emphasis on momentary visual impressions.

Vadstena, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern, offered Tryggelin a setting of broad horizons and shifting weather. The open landscape around the town allows the sky to dominate the visual experience, and this painting transforms that expansive sky into the principal subject of the work. The result is a vivid atmospheric study that conveys both the calm of the countryside and the sudden drama of a summer storm.

Condition report:
The painting is in very fine condition with clear and well preserved colours. The surface has recently been professionally cleaned, revealing the freshness of the palette and the vitality of the brushwork. Small pinholes are present in the corners, original to the artist’s practice of attaching his works with drawing pins when exhibiting. The painting is presented in a new black frame with a silver inner edge.

Sources
Nationalmuseum, artist records for Erik Tryggelin
Stockholms stadsmuseum, material on Erik Tryggelin and his artistic practice
Konstnärslexikonett Amanda, entry on Erik Tryggelin
General literature on Swedish landscape painting of the early twentieth century

Erik Tryggelin (1878-1962) Sweden

Summer's Day in Haga, 1902

signed and dated
painted July 4, 1902
oil on canvas mounted on board
canvas dimensions 14.17 x 11 inches (36 x 28 cm)
frame 18.11 x 15.35 inches (46 x 39 cm)

In the vast realm of art history, there are certain works that transcend time and space, transporting us to a world of beauty and serenity. One such painting is by the renowned Swedish artist Erik Tryggelin (1878-1962). Created in 1902, this captivating piece depicts a scene from Haga in Stockholm, capturing the essence of a sunny summer day by the water's edge.

"Summer's Day in Haga, 1902"  transports us to Hagaparken in Stockholm, where nature's tranquillity takes centre stage. Set against a picturesque shoreline, a cluster of birch trees gracefully leans towards the water's edge, creating an enchanting sight.  Tryggelin's artistry shines through in every brushstroke as he skillfully captures the essence of the scene. Delicate blades of grass emerge from the water's surface, perfectly mirrored in its stillness. The reflection creates a mesmerizing interplay between reality and its watery counterpart, adding depth and intrigue to the composition.

Hagaparken, a gem in Stockholm, provides the perfect motif for this artistic creation. Renowned for its serene beauty and scenic vistas, the park offers a peaceful haven amidst the bustling city. Tryggelin, a master at capturing the soul of nature, found inspiration within Hagaparken's idyllic setting, infusing his artwork with its harmonious essence.

The painting invites us to escape the chaos of everyday life, immersing ourselves in the gentle sway of the birch trees, the tranquil reflections in the water, and the timeless beauty of Hagaparken.

Erik Tryggelin (1878–1962) Sweden

Sunlight Breaking Through Clouds over Lake Vättern, Vadstena, 17–18 August 1948

signed and dated lower right E. Tryggelin 18/8 1948
inscribed Vadstena lower left 17/8
oil on canvas laid on masonite
unframed 26 × 35.5 cm (10.2 × 14 in)
framed 42 × 51 cm (16.5 × 20.1 in)

Provenance:
Swedish private collection

Essay:
This atmospheric landscape, painted over two days in August 1948, depicts the vast expanse of Lake Vättern as seen from the historic town of Vadstena. Erik Tryggelin concentrates the composition on the interplay between sky, water, and light, creating a quiet yet powerful study of atmosphere. The horizon lies low across the canvas, allowing the sky to dominate the scene and emphasizing the dramatic effect of sunlight breaking through the cloud cover.

The painting is built around a restrained palette of luminous blues and cool tonal variations. A large bank of clouds stretches across the sky, rendered in dense yet fluid brushstrokes. At the centre of the cloud mass the sun pierces through, producing a radiant burst of warm colour that contrasts with the surrounding cool tones. This sudden opening in the clouds creates a striking effect of light that cascades downward toward the water.

The reflection of this light appears on the surface of Lake Vättern as a delicate vertical shimmer. Subtle touches of pink, gold, and pale green interrupt the dominant blues, suggesting the fleeting brilliance of sunlight as it filters through the atmosphere. The lake itself is painted with broad, horizontal strokes that convey the gentle movement of the water and the expansive calm of the landscape.

Tryggelin’s brushwork remains loose and expressive throughout the painting. Rather than focusing on precise detail, he allows colour and gesture to convey the sensation of changing weather. The forms of the clouds dissolve into one another, suggesting movement and transformation within the sky. This painterly approach reflects the artist’s long standing interest in capturing transient atmospheric effects.

Erik Tryggelin was born in Stockholm in 1878 and studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts before continuing his training in Paris. Over the course of his career he worked as painter, draughtsman, printmaker, and photographer. His art frequently explores the relationship between landscape and atmosphere, particularly in scenes where light transforms otherwise simple motifs.

The shores of Lake Vättern offered Tryggelin a setting ideally suited to this interest. The open horizon and expansive sky create dramatic conditions for observing light and cloud formations. In this painting the artist transforms that wide landscape into a refined study of illumination, where a single burst of sunlight becomes the central event of the composition.

Condition report:
The painting is in very fine condition with clear and well preserved colours. The paint surface remains stable and the subtle tonal transitions are well retained. Small pinholes are visible in the corners, original to the artist’s practice of attaching his works with drawing pins when exhibiting. The painting is presented in a frame in good condition.

Erik Tryggelin (1878–1962) Sweden

Sunset over Lake Vättern, Vadstena, 4–5 October 1927

signed and dated lower right E. Tryggelin 5/10 1927
inscribed Vadstena lower left 4/10
oil on canvas laid on masonite
unframed 19.5 × 25.5 cm (7.7 × 10 in)
framed 28 × 35 cm (11 × 13.8 in)
presented in a new black frame

Provenance:
Swedish private collection

Essay:
This painting from early October 1927 captures the shifting colours of sunset over Lake Vättern as seen from the historic town of Vadstena. The composition is remarkably direct and focused, reducing the landscape to its most essential elements: the glowing sky, the distant horizon, and the restless surface of the lake. Through this simplicity Erik Tryggelin transforms the scene into a concentrated study of colour and light.

The sky occupies the greater part of the composition and is filled with bands of warm, luminous colour. Soft tones of coral, rose, and pale orange spread across the clouds, fading gradually into cooler blues and violets. These broad, sweeping brushstrokes suggest the movement of evening clouds and the fleeting nature of the sunset. The colour transitions are subtle but vibrant, creating a glowing atmosphere that dominates the entire scene.

Below the horizon the waters of Lake Vättern are rendered with energetic strokes of blue, green, and violet. The waves break gently along the foreground, their movement suggested by quick touches of white paint that indicate foam and reflected light. In contrast to the calm radiance of the sky, the lake appears more dynamic, animated by wind and shifting currents. This interplay between the tranquil sky and the lively water gives the painting its quiet tension.

Erik Tryggelin frequently worked in small formats that allowed him to paint rapidly and directly from observation. His training at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts and later studies in Paris introduced him to impressionist methods, and throughout his career he maintained a strong interest in capturing transient atmospheric effects. Rather than describing the landscape in detail, he focused on the sensation of a particular moment, recording how light and colour transform a familiar view.

Vadstena and the surrounding shores of Lake Vättern provided Tryggelin with an ideal setting for such studies. The broad expanse of the lake and the open horizon create dramatic skies, particularly during sunrise and sunset. In works such as this one the landscape becomes a stage for changing light, where sky and water interact in subtle colour harmonies.

Condition report:
The painting is in very fine condition with clear and well preserved colours. The surface has recently been cleaned. Small pinholes are visible in the corners, original to the artist’s practice of attaching his works with drawing pins when exhibiting. The painting is presented in a new black frame.

Erik Tryggelin (1878–1962) Sweden

Sunset with Fisherman, 19–20 October 1930

signed and dated lower right E. Tryggelin 20/10 1930
inscribed lower left 19/10
oil on canvas laid on masonite
unframed 16.5 × 29 cm (6.5 × 11.4 in)
framed 27 × 40 cm (10.6 × 15.7 in)
presented in a newly gilded frame

Provenance:
Swedish private collection

Essay
This painting captures the quiet drama of sunset across open water and low shoreline. Erik Tryggelin builds the composition around the descending sun, which burns near the horizon and sends out broad rays of warm colour across the sky. Tones of rose, apricot, pale gold, and violet dissolve into one another, creating an atmosphere of transience and stillness. The surface of the water below reflects these colours in soft horizontal bands, so that sky and land appear joined by the same fading light.

The composition is notable for its simplicity and balance. The horizon is placed low, allowing the sky to dominate the scene and making light itself the principal subject. A fisherman appears to the left beside a modest wooden structure near the shore. His small and solitary presence lends the painting a sense of human scale, but he remains secondary to the vastness of the natural setting. Above, a group of birds moves through the evening sky, adding rhythm and life to the upper portion of the composition.

Tryggelin’s handling is fluid and impressionistic. The brushwork remains open and visible, particularly in the sky, where strokes radiate outward from the sun and suggest the changing atmosphere of a late autumn evening. The water is painted with lighter, more horizontal touches, giving the surface a calm shimmer. This contrast between the expansive sky and the quiet water creates a mood of contemplative stillness, interrupted only by the gentle movement of birds and the implied activity of the lone fisherman.

Erik Tryggelin was born in Stockholm in 1878 and trained at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts before continuing his studies in Paris. He worked as painter, draughtsman, printmaker, and photographer, and throughout his career he showed a particular sensitivity to fleeting conditions of light and weather. He is especially admired for scenes in which atmosphere becomes the true subject of the image, whether in city views, coastal settings, or open landscapes.

Condition report:
The painting is in very fine condition with clear and well preserved colours. The surface has recently been professionally cleaned, revealing the freshness of the palette and the delicacy of the brushwork. Small pinholes are visible in the corners, original to the artist’s practice of attaching his works with drawing pins when exhibiting. The work is presented in a newly gilded frame.

Erik Tryggelin (1878–1962) Sweden

View over Lake Vättern from Vadstena, 29–30 August 1943

signed and dated lower right
oil on canvas laid on masonite
unframed 15 × 20 cm (5.9 × 7.9 in)
framed 25 × 30 cm (9.8 × 11.8 in)

Provenance:
A private collection, Sweden. 

Essay:
Executed across two consecutive days, 29 and 30 August 1943, this compact painting demonstrates Tryggelin’s characteristic insistence on direct observation and careful notation of time and place. The motif is reduced to essentials: a low horizon, the broad plane of Vättern, and a monumental cloud formation that dominates the upper field. The cloud mass is built from cool, shifting violets and greys, edged with lighter veils that suggest both volume and movement. Below, the lake is rendered in horizontal strokes that vary in density, allowing subtle passages of blue, green, and purple to shimmer through the surface.

A single point of light glows near the horizon. Read as a distant lighthouse or harbour navigation light, it operates as the painting’s quiet focal device. It punctuates the vastness with a human signal, provides a measure of distance, and stabilises the composition by fixing the viewer’s gaze at a precise point in the far field. This small accent also intensifies the evening mood, implying a transition from daylight to dusk without relying on overt narrative.

Tryggelin worked as a painter, draughtsman, printmaker, and photographer, and his art is closely associated with city life and twilight atmospheres, often framed as attentive records of lived experience. Alongside Stockholm subjects, he repeatedly returned to places such as Visby and Vadstena. Vadstena’s setting on Vättern’s eastern shore offers long sight lines and a pronounced sense of open weather, conditions that encourage a painterly focus on cloud architecture and distant light. 

Condition report:
The work is in very fine condition with clear, fresh colour and a stable surface. Recently cleaned. Small pinholes are present at the corners, original to the artist’s display practice of mounting small works with thumbtacks; repeated hanging has resulted in more than one hole at some corners.

Erik Tryggelin (1878–1962) Sweden

Winter Shore, Vadstena, 1940–1950

signed and dated lower right E. Tryggelin
inscribed Vadstena 8/12 1940–50
oil on canvas laid on masonite
unframed 19 × 27 cm (7.5 × 10.6 in)
framed 29 × 37 cm (11.4 × 14.6 in)

Provenance:
Swedish private collection

Essay:
This winter landscape depicts the shoreline of Lake Vättern near the historic town of Vadstena. Executed initially in 1940 and revisited by the artist in 1950, the painting offers a compelling insight into Erik Tryggelin’s working method. It was not uncommon for him to return to earlier studies, refining atmospheric effects and strengthening the composition years after the original observation. The inscription indicates that the motif was first recorded on 8 December 1940 and later developed further, resulting in the present work that bridges two moments in the artist’s career.

The composition is built around the meeting of water, sky, and a narrow belt of winter trees along the shore. Bare branches rise against the pale sky, their delicate silhouettes softened by frost and snowfall. The lake itself appears restless, its surface animated by cold wind and shallow waves that roll toward the icy shore. Thin streaks of white and blue describe the moving water, while touches of pale violet and grey convey the subdued light of a winter day.

Tryggelin’s palette is deliberately restrained. Cool tones dominate the painting, ranging from icy blues and silvery greys to faint hints of green and rose. These subtle variations create a shimmering effect across the water and give the landscape an almost translucent atmosphere. The sky above is filled with drifting snow, rendered with light strokes that suggest both falling flakes and the movement of winter air.

Erik Tryggelin was born in Stockholm in 1878 and studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts before continuing his training in Paris. Throughout his career he worked as painter, draughtsman, printmaker, and photographer. His paintings often explore quiet urban scenes and atmospheric landscapes, frequently recorded in small formats that allowed him to work directly from observation.

Vadstena, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern, became one of the recurring settings in Tryggelin’s work. The open horizon of the lake and the changing northern weather offered ideal conditions for studying light, colour, and seasonal transformation. In this winter scene the artist captures the austere beauty of the Swedish landscape, where water, snow, and sky merge into a subtle harmony of tone.

Condition report:
The painting is in very fine condition with clear and well preserved colours. The surface has recently been cleaned. Small pinholes are visible in the corners, original to the artist’s practice of attaching his works with drawing pins when exhibiting. The painting is presented in a gilded frame in good condition.