Axel Erdmann (1873-1954) - View Over Gamla Stan, Stockholm 1910

Axel Erdmann (1873-1954) Sweden

View Over Gamla Stan, Stockholm, 1910

oil on canvas
signed and dated Ax Erdmann 1910
unframed 71 x 92 cm
framed 87 x 108 cm

Please notice: It is also painted on the back of the canvas.

Provenance:
Fritzes konsthandel;
A Swedish private collection.

Essay:
Axel Erdmann's painting "View Over Gamla Stan, Stockholm, 1910" is a luminous celebration of Stockholm's historic heart, Gamla Stan, as seen from Södermalm. Erdmann, a Swedish painter and public educator, was born on August 2, 1873, and passed away on May 15, 1954. In this painting, his technique is similar to pointillism; the composition comes alive with twinkling light reflections on the water's surface. This painting features prominent landmarks like the German Church's tower and Storkyrkan, bathed in a palette of muted blues, oranges, and yellows that evoke the waning light of the day.

It comes with an elegant gold frame; Erdmann's work is not just a portrayal of Stockholm's scenery but a testament to his ability to marry colour and light in a symphony of Impressionistic touches. This painting is a vibrant document of city life from over a century ago, inviting viewers to experience Stockholm's historical and cultural richness through Erdmann's eyes.

Erdmann's academic journey started at the Konstnärsförbundets painting school under the tutelage of prominent figures like Richard Bergh and Anders Zorn. Later, he presided over the Valand School of Fine Arts in Gothenburg between 1912 and 1916. His shift from art creation to art education, especially after the traumatic Ådalshändelserna, marks his commitment to social welfare and education, echoing the transformative power of art and community.

Erdmann's paintings are housed in prestigious collections such as Sweden's National Museum, Gothenburg's Museum of Art, Norrköping's Art Museum, and the Jamtli Museum in Östersund.