Oscar Jansson - Sunburst, 1906

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.

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.

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.