Emma Ekwall (1838-1925) - Still Life with Fruits, 1911

Emma Ekwall (1838-1925) Sweden

Still Life with Fruits, 1911

oil on canvas laid on board
signed and dated E.Ekwall 1911
unframed: 20.5 x 32 cm (8 x 12.6 inches)
framed: 30.5 x 41 cm (12 x 16.1 inches)

Provenance:
The artist;
Anonymous Christmas gift 1911;
Marianne Berg, Stockholm (before 1937);
Gift to Ida Segerström, 1937;
A private collection Södermanland.

Condition:
The Still life is in a very good condition. The surface has been recently cleaned, and the colors are vibrant. The original frame is included and features an aged patina with minor imperfections.


Essay:
This exquisite still life, painted in 1911, showcases Emma Ekwall’s mastery in capturing the vibrant textures and colors of fruit. The composition features apples and grapes arranged with meticulous care, exuding warmth and a tactile richness. Still life paintings like this often serve as meditations on the beauty and impermanence of life, highlighting the fleeting charm of everyday objects.

Emma Ekwall (1838–1925) was a trailblazing Swedish artist known for her delicate and precise style. Born in Säby socken (present-day Tranås municipality), she studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, where she became the first woman to receive the Royal Medal in 1871. After completing her studies, Ekwall spent time in Munich and Leipzig, honing her craft. While she was celebrated for her portraits, particularly of children, she also excelled in floral still lifes and genre scenes.

Her works are held in esteemed collections, including Sweden’s Nationalmuseum, Norrköping Art Museum, and Kalmar Art Museum. This still life stands as a testament to her ability to transform simple subjects into timeless works of art.