Torsten Schonberg - Portrait of Ingrid Schonberg

Torsten Schonberg (1882–1970) Sweden

Portrait of Ingrid Schonberg

signed
oil on wood panel
unframed 40 × 32 cm (15.7 × 12.6 in)
framed 50 × 42 cm (19.7 × 16.5 in)

Provenance:
Private collection, Sweden.

Condition Report:
The painting is in very good condition with a well preserved paint surface and clear, fresh colours. 

Essay:
This sensitive portrait by Torsten Schonberg depicts Ingrid Schonberg. The artist presents Ingrid at close range, with little attention given to setting or narrative. Her head is turned slightly towards the viewer, while her eyes look quietly to the side. This subtle separation between the direction of the face and the gaze gives the portrait much of its psychological character. She appears composed and self possessed, yet there is an introspective quality that prevents the image from becoming merely formal.

Torsten Schonberg received a substantial artistic education. He studied at the Technical School in Stockholm between 1898 and 1902 and subsequently at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts from 1902 to 1907. His artistic development was broadened by travels in England, Germany, France and Italy. He later established a remarkably varied career encompassing painting, drawing, printmaking, illustration, poster design and graphic art.

Schonberg became particularly respected as a draughtsman and graphic artist. His illustrations appeared in books and publications, while his graphic work included portraits, figure studies and subjects drawn from Swedish cultural life. He also received important official commissions and designed a number of Swedish postage stamps during the 1940s. His works are represented in several Swedish public collections, including Nationalmuseum.