Carl Flodman (1863-1888) - A Harbor Scene from 1884

Carl Flodman (1863-1888) Sweden

A Harbor Scene from 1884

oil on wood panel
signed and dated C.Flodman 84
unframed: 13 x 21 cm (5 1/8 x 8 1/4 in)
framed: 29 x 37.5 cm (11 3/8 x 14 3/4 in)

Provenance:
A Swedish private collection.

Essay:
This exquisite small oil painting by Carl Flodman, measuring just 13 x 21 cm, showcases the immense talent of a young artist who tragically passed away at the age of 24. Painted in 1884, when Flodman was only 21 years old and a student at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, the artwork likely depicts a harbor at Djurgården in Stockholm.

The composition captures a serene yet vivid moment by the water. A warm light bathes the façade of the building near the shoreline, complemented by the striking red fence in the foreground. The bare tree suggests the season might be late autumn or winter. A plume of smoke rising from one of the boats adds an atmospheric touch, while the red flag on a mast provides a vibrant detail amidst the soft palette of blues and greys.

Flodman’s mastery of light and texture is evident in this piece, reflecting both his training and his natural gift for realism. Despite his short life, he left behind a body of work characterized by sensitive and refined depictions of landscapes, often focused on coastal and rural settings around Stockholm.

Born in Stockholm on December 17, 1863, Carl Samuel Flodman showed early promise in art. He began his studies at the Slöjdskolan (later the Technical School) and received private instruction from noted artists G.W. Palm and Oscar Törnå. Between 1883 and 1886, he was a student at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied alongside contemporaries such as Gerda Roosval-Kallstenius, Anton Genberg, and Hilma af Klint.

Flodman’s dedication to his craft was evident in his participation in artistic excursions, such as one to Kungsör in 1886 led by Professor Per Daniel Holm. His works from that period, including views of Kivik, reflect his evolving style and attention to detail. Flodman earned several accolades, including a medal in 1886 for a spring landscape and the royal medal in 1887 for his painting "Autumn Landscape."

Sadly, Flodman fell ill in the winter of 1887 due to prolonged outdoor studies. His health deteriorated, and he passed away on October 27, 1888. Despite his untimely death, his legacy endures through his evocative and meticulously crafted artworks. Today, Flodman is represented in major Swedish collections, including the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, the Gothenburg Museum of Art, and the Norrköping Art Museum.

Condition Report:
The painting has recently been professionally restored by an experienced art conservator. The colors are once again vibrant, and the artwork has regained its remarkable light and brilliance. It is now assessed to be in excellent condition.

The elegant frame is included in the purchase. As the painting fits within the frame with very little margin, we will carefully remove it from the frame and pack it separately for shipping. This allows the buyer to safely reassemble the painting in the frame upon arrival.