Helmer Hertzhoff (1873-1958) - Aurora Borealis (Norrsken)

Helmer Hertzhoff (1873-1958) Sweden

Aurora Borealis (Norrsken)

oil on board
signed H Hertzhoff
c.1940
board dimensions 60.5 x 59.5 cm
frame 70 x 68 cm

Essay:
Norrsken (Aurora Borealis) is a vibrant painting in a pointillistic style with short brushstrokes, created by the artist Helmer Hertzhoff around 1940s. Hertzhoff, born in 1873 and passing away in 1958, was a master of capturing the ethereal beauty of nature through his artwork. This particular piece showcases his talent for conveying the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights.

The painting presents a kaleidoscope of colors, reminiscent of the enchanting display of the Aurora Borealis. The ground is depicted in shades of purple, green, blue, and yellow, forming a harmonious blend that adds depth to the composition. The sky, dominated by a strong blue hue, serves as the backdrop for the dazzling display of the Northern Lights in vibrant yellow tones. The strokes of yellow create luminous pillars that stretch across the heavens, illuminating the night with an otherworldly glow.

Amidst this celestial symphony, a few solitary pines stand tall, their presence adding a sense of tranquility and anchoring the viewer to the earthly realm. The contrast between the vivid yellow lights and the serene dark silhouettes of the trees further enhances the ethereal atmosphere of the painting. A sprinkle of stars can also be seen, glimmering in the background, as if paying homage to the nocturnal spectacle unfolding above.

Hertzhoff's masterful use of the pointillistic technique, with its meticulously applied short brushstrokes, creates a sense of movement and energy within the composition. The carefully placed dots of color blend harmoniously when viewed from a distance, evoking a feeling of awe and wonder that mirrors the actual experience of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.