Produits

Olof Walfrid Nilsson (1868–1956)

Fjäll i aftonsol (“Mountain in Evening Sun”) circa 1933

oil on canvas
signed Olof W. Nilsson and dated 1933?
unframed: 102 x 82 cm (40.2 x 32.3 in)
framed: 122 x 102 cm (48.0 x 40.2 in)

Provenance:
Uppsala Auktionskammare, 8 December 2002, Lot 137, titled “Fjäll i aftonsol 1933” (Mountain in Evening Sun, 1933).

Related work:
Stockholms Auktionsverk, 2 December 1992, Lot 5450, titled “Kebnekaise, fjällmassiv i sol (1934)” – oil on canvas, 65 x 86 cm – sold in the sale “Internationella Moderna Grafik”.

Essay:
This large oil on canvas (102 x 82 cm) captures the majestic stillness of a Lapland mountain landscape bathed in the glow of the evening sun. A sweeping ridge of peaks rises under a sky shifting towards dusk, their slopes washed in rich blue and lilac tones. The warm light of the setting sun brushes the highest summits, while deep shadows settle in the valleys. Although the exact location remains uncertain, the view may have been inspired by the Kebnekaise massif or the iconic Lapporten valley – landscapes Nilsson visited and painted during the early 1930s. The work is faintly signed “Olof W. Nilsson” with an indistinct date, believed to be 1933, and is presented in its original gilded frame.

Nilsson had a lifelong affinity for the northern wilderness, and during the 1920s and 1930s he spent extended periods working in Lappland. His paintings are celebrated for their ability to convey both the grandeur and the quietude of the high mountains, often using a restrained yet luminous palette. Fjäll i aftonsol reflects his talent for capturing the delicate interplay of light and shadow at the day’s end – a time when the Arctic evening transforms the landscape into a scene of rare serenity.

Born in 1868, Nilsson trained in Stockholm before travelling widely, eventually developing a style rooted in close observation yet infused with a lyrical, almost poetic sensibility. His work blends naturalistic detail with an emotional response to the landscape, transforming remote mountain scenes into meditations on light, silence, and space. While firmly grounded in the traditions of Swedish landscape painting, his art also reflects the early 20th-century fascination with Lappland as a symbol of untouched nature and national identity.

Condition Report: The painting retains clear, vibrant colours and was likely restored approximately ten years ago. There is some craquelure, most visible in the sky, as is typical for works of this age. The frame is in good condition with a few earlier repairs.

Oscar Jansson, Arvika, Sweden

Sunburst, 1906
(Swedish original title: Solbrytning) 

oil on canvas
signed and dated OSCAR JANSON 1906
unframed: 99.5 x 120 cm (39 1/4 x 47 1/4 inches)
framed: 115 x 135 cm (45 1/4 x 53 1/8 inches)

Provenance: 
A private collection, Karlstad. 

Condition Report: 
The painting has undergone careful restoration over several months by our conservator. It has been cleaned and given a fresh varnish. Some areas have minor retouching, and there are a few fine vertical cracks in the paint, as visible in the photographs. The painting is now in very good condition and comes with a newly crafted gilt frame included in the purchase.

Essay:
This captivating landscape by the elusive Swedish artist Oscar Jansson (sometimes referred to as Janson) exemplifies his rare but striking body of work. Painted in 1906, Solbrytning showcases a dramatic interplay of light and shadow as the sun pierces through heavy clouds, illuminating the Värmland landscape. The composition features a dense forest in the foreground, rendered in muted tones, with distant hills fading into soft blues and greys. Above, the expansive sky dominates the scene, capturing the fleeting beauty of natural light breaking through the atmosphere.

Portrait of Oscar Jansson, 1907
The artist in his early twenties, this photograph provides a rare glimpse of the enigmatic painter.

Jansson’s ability to convey the subtleties of the Nordic landscape is remarkable, particularly considering his limited oeuvre. Very little is known about the artist’s life, except for a small number of extant works. A photograph from circa 1907 depicts four of his paintings displayed together, all sharing compositional and stylistic similarities with Solbrytning. These works suggest Jansson’s deep engagement with capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and the poetic mood of Sweden's natural scenery.


Four paintings by Oscar Jansson displayed together, circa 1907

The large dimensions of this painting—measuring 115 x 135 cm with frame—make it a commanding centerpiece. Its atmospheric depth and masterful handling of light invite the viewer to linger, evoking a profound sense of connection to the landscape.

A Scandinavian Landscape View, c. 1920


signed Osc.Lycke
oil on canvas
canvas dimensions 104.5 x 147.5 cm
frame dimensions 111.5 x 154.5 cm

Oscar Lycke was a Swedish artist from Sundsvall. He is best known for his impressive colourful landscape paintings in a national romantic and realism style. The motifs were often mountains, forests, rapids, and lakes painted with his self-taught style. Lycke exhibited many times in northern Sweden, but also at one time in New York, with great success. This painting is from Hälsingland, which is located in the middle part of Sweden; it depicts a Landscape view with a dramatic sky. Lycke captured the famous nordic light in the best possible manner; this part of Sweden was back then - and still today a popular go-to place for tourism.

Provenance: A Swedish private collection.

Oscar Lycke (1877-1927) Sweden

Fäbod Settlement near Liden, c. 1910

Pencil and crayon on paper
signed OSC. LYCKE
unframed 16.5 x 22.7 cm (6.5 x 8.9 in)
framed 18 x 24 cm (7.1 x 9.4 in)

Provenance:
Acquired directly from Katarina Gunnarsson, who inherited the painting from her mother, Barbro, the daughter of the artist.

Essay:
This exquisitely detailed drawing by Swedish artist Oscar Lycke captures a rustic settlement nestled in the golden highlands of northern Sweden, most likely depicting the traditional summer pastures of Bodåker near Liden, a region where the artist often found inspiration. Though modest in size, the drawing reveals Lycke’s exceptional skill and sensitivity, honed through years of dedicated study – including formal training in draftsmanship.

The landscape is rendered with a dynamic, almost rhythmic energy: the swirl of clouds above feels alive, their motion echoed in the curving lines of the earth below. A cluster of weathered timber buildings stands quietly amid the terrain, bathed in amber light. These structures – barns, cottages, storehouses – evoke the remote “fäbod” settlements once common in the highlands of Jämtland and Dalarna, where families and livestock spent summers in alpine isolation. Lycke's lines, finely layered with colored crayon, give texture and movement to the scene without sacrificing clarity or structure.

Oscar Lycke was a rare talent. Though he exhibited widely in Sweden, it was in New York that he achieved his greatest success. There, critics praised both his subtlety of vision and his technical command. His works speak of a deep affection for the Swedish landscape – not as grandiose or sentimental, but as something intimately known and honestly observed.

This small drawing is a fine example of that vision. It is unassuming but profound, precise but full of feeling. Lycke transforms a fleeting view into something quietly monumental.

unframed: 27 x 40 cm (10.6 x 15.7 inches)
framed: 36.5 x 50.5 cm (14.4 x 19.9 inches)

Compare: 
An almost identical painting with the same motif and executed in the same year can be found in the Halland Art Museum (Hallands konstmuseum), inventory number HMK000588.

Essay:
The painting "Halmstad Harbour Seen From the North" by Oscar Ohlson is a captivating snapshot of daily life and historical architecture, frozen in time from the year 1889. With a meticulous eye for detail, Ohlson has rendered approximately 25 boats in the harbor, each brimming with the quiet bustle of daily chores. The painting invites viewers to step into a moment where people converse, work, and seek respite from the sun under shared umbrellas, while wisps of smoke subtly rise from several boats, suggesting the presence of life and activity beyond the canvas.

In this vibrant scene, a man carries a sack, perhaps fresh merchandise from one of the docked vessels, while others engage in conversation, highlighting the social tapestry of the harbor. Ohlson's masterful use of light reflects on the water, creating a shimmering path that leads the eye to the majestic Halmstad Castle, which adorns the right side of the painting. This historic building, beautifully situated by the Nissan river and not far from the sea, is a testament to Halmstad's past as a Danish territory. Constructed in the early 17th century during the reign of King Christian IV, the castle stands as a reminder of the town's rich history and cultural heritage.

The first building to the right, once part of this historic tableau, has been removed to accommodate modern necessities, replaced by a road that now runs through its former site. This juxtaposition of past and present is a poignant commentary on the evolution of cities and the sacrifices made in the name of progress.

Halmstad itself, a town that straddles the Nissan river, retains much of its early 20th-century character in its city core. Low brick and half-timbered houses, some dating back to the 17th century, dot the landscape. The town center on the west side of Nissan is bordered by remnants of early 17th-century fortifications, including the 1600s castle, Norre Port from 1601, and King Charles XI's path along the old fortress wall. At the heart of the town is Stora Torg with Carl Milles' Europa and the Bull fountain from 1926, and the town hall built in 1938. The city layout, influenced by Renaissance planning, converges at Stora Torg, which is also home to the town's sole medieval building, the brick hall church of St. Nikolai from the 14th century.

Oscar Ohlson (1847-1912), a native of Linneryd, Småland, was a multifaceted individual. Beginning his career with a legal degree from Uppsala University in 1870, Ohlson's passion for the arts led him to pursue music studies before dedicating himself to art under the guidance of Alfred Wahlberg. Settling in Borås, he imparted vocal lessons and crafted his artistic legacy. Ohlson's oeuvre primarily consists of moonlit landscapes and idyllic scenes from Öresund and Blekinge, capturing the tranquil beauty of the Swedish countryside.

The "Halmstad Harbour Seen From the North" stands not only as a beautiful work of art but also as a historical document, allowing us a glimpse into the vibrant life of Halmstad during the late 19th century, as seen through the delicate brushstrokes of Oscar Ohlson.

Oscar Ohlson (1847-1912) Sweden

"Långälven, Värmland"

oil on canvas
signed Oscar Ohlson
unframed 25.5 x 38.5 cm
framed 35.5 x 48.5

Essay:
This enchanting Swedish painting, dated circa 1890, is believed to depict the tranquil waters of Långälven in Värmland, a testament to Ohlson's prowess in capturing the essence of the Swedish countryside.

The scene is a gentle narrative, where we witness a family moment frozen in time. Parents stand by their daughter on a wooden dock, poised to embark on a journey across the reflective waters. The young girl, dressed in period attire, appears eager and curious, a universal symbol of youth's anticipation for adventure. Her parents, dressed in the fashion of the late 19th century, exude a sense of calm and assurance.

Ohlson's brushwork brings the scene to life with a delicate interplay of light and shadow, mirroring the cloud-speckled sky on the lake's surface. The background is dotted with other vessels, suggesting the shared pleasure of the day's end on the water.

Oscar Ohlson (1847–1912), born in Linneryd, Småland, and later settling in Borås, was a multifaceted artist who, after pursuing law, found his true calling in the arts. A student of Alfred Wahlberg, Ohlson's works are characterized by moonlit landscapes and idyllic themes from around Öresund and Blekinge. This painting is a fine example of his landscape oeuvre, reflecting a romantic yet realistic portrayal of Swedish nature and leisure at the turn of the century.

Oskar Bergman (Stockholm 1879–1963 Saltsjöbaden)

“Fjärden” (Expansive Archipelago Landscape)

Signed "Oskar Bergman" in pencil
Drypoint etching
image size: 17.5 x 25 cm (6 7/8 x 9 7/8 in)
paper size: 29 x 39 cm (11 3/8 x 15 3/8 in)
unframed

Exhibited:
Stockholm, The Swedish General Art Association, Catalogue of Paintings, Drawings, and Etchings by Oskar Bergman, January 17–February 14, 1916, listed under 1915, no. 174 as “Fjärden.”

Printed in a maximum of 50 copies.

Oskar Bergman (Stockholm 1879–1963 Saltsjöbaden)

“Skogskanten” (Winter Landscape with Spruce Trees)

signed "Oskar Bergman" in pencil
drypoint etching
image size: 19.5 x 29.5 cm (7 5/8 x 11 5/8 in)
paper size: 30 x 40 cm (11 3/4 x 15 3/4 in)
unframed
created in 1915

Exhibited:
Stockholm, The Swedish General Art Association, Catalogue of Paintings, Drawings, and Etchings by Oskar Bergman, January 17–February 14, 1916, listed under 1915, no. 167 as “Skogskanten.”

Printed in a maximum of 50 copies.