Emma Ekwall (1838-1925) - Hide and Seek

Emma Ekwall (1838-1925) Sweden

Hide and Seek

oil on wood panel
signed E Ekwall
panel dimensions: 33 cm x 22.5 cm (12.99 x 8.86 inches)
frame dimensions: 48 cm x 38.5 cm (18.90 x 15.16 inches)

Provenance:
A Swedish private collection.

Essay:
We are pleased to present a very charming painting by the Swedish artist Emma Ekwall (1838-1925), titled 'Hide and Seek'. As the title suggests, the painting depicts a young girl hiding behind a wall, her gaze fixed on the shadow of someone approaching. Her expression is one of amusement and playfulness. She is elegantly dressed, with a hat hanging on her back, her hair tied up with a pink and purple hairband, a red top, a blue dress, striped socks, and high leather boots. Next to the girl is a small bench, upon which sits a copper milk pail. The painting dates back to the late 19th century.

The game of hide and seek, or 'kurragömma' in Swedish, is a timeless children's game that has been played for generations. The painting captures the essence of childhood, a time of innocence, and play, and evokes nostalgia for a simpler time.

Emma Ekwall was a Swedish artist known for her detailed and delicate genre paintings and portraits. Born in Lund in 1838, she studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm and later in Paris. Her work was exhibited widely during her lifetime and is held in several museums and private collections.

'Hide and Seek' is a delightful example of Ekwall's skill in capturing the nuances of human expression and her attention to detail in depicting clothing and objects. The painting would make a charming addition to any art collection.

Condition:
Restored by professional art conservator 2023. Very good condition.