Per Ekström stands as a significant figure in Swedish art history, a landscape painter whose career bridged the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1844 and passing away in 1935, Ekström became renowned for his evocative depictions of the Swedish countryside, particularly his mastery of capturing the fleeting effects of light, most notably in his sunset scenes over open, often desolate terrains. His work occupies a fascinating space between the lingering sentiments of Romanticism and the burgeoning techniques of Impressionism, making him a unique voice in Scandinavian art.
Early Life and Artistic Awakening
Peter Ekström, known as Per, was born on the island of Öland, Sweden, in 1844. His origins were modest; his father worked as a house painter, providing perhaps an early, albeit practical, exposure to pigments and application. From a young age, Ekström showed an inclination towards art, receiving initial training that set him on a path towards a more formal artistic education. This led him to the prestigious Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, where he studied between 1865 and 1872.
During his time at the Academy, the dominant influence in Scandinavian landscape painting often stemmed from the Düsseldorf School, known for its detailed, often dramatic and narrative style. However, Ekström found himself drawn more towards the developments happening in France. He developed a preference for the French approach to landscape, which emphasized atmosphere, light, and direct observation of nature, diverging from the more studio-bound, meticulous style favored by many of his contemporaries trained in the German tradition.
This early inclination towards French art signaled the direction his career would take. His formative years were marked by a growing desire to explore the artistic innovations occurring outside Sweden, particularly those centered around Paris and the Barbizon School. This ambition was significantly aided by the support of King Oscar II of Sweden, who recognized Ekström's talent and potential, providing crucial assistance that enabled him to travel abroad and immerse himself in the European art scene.
The French Influence: Paris and Barbizon
In 1876, with royal support, Per Ekström made the pivotal move to Paris, the undisputed center of the art world at the time. This relocation immersed him in an environment teeming with new ideas and artistic ferment. He was particularly captivated by the painters of the Barbizon School, artists who had settled near the Forest of Fontainebleau to paint directly from nature (en plein air). The Barbizon painters, including figures like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Jean-François Millet, and Théodore Rousseau, emphasized tonal harmony, atmospheric effects, and a more realistic, less idealized depiction of the rural landscape.
The influence of Camille Corot, in particular, is often noted in Ekström's work. Corot's mastery of subtle light, his silvery tones, and his ability to convey mood through landscape resonated deeply with the Swedish painter. Ekström absorbed these lessons, adapting them to his own sensibility and subject matter. He spent time not only in Paris but also likely visited Barbizon and worked in other artistically significant locations like Saint-Germain, further steeping himself in the French landscape tradition.
Beyond Barbizon, the currents of Impressionism were also swirling through Paris. While Ekström never fully adopted the broken brushwork and high-keyed palette of core Impressionists like Claude Monet or Camille Pissarro, the movement's emphasis on capturing fleeting moments of light and atmosphere undoubtedly informed his developing style. He sought to render the transient effects of dawn and dusk, the play of light on snow, and the vastness of the sky with a sensitivity that aligned with Impressionist goals, even if his technique remained more grounded in tonalism.
His time in France proved fruitful professionally. Ekström began exhibiting his work, making his debut at the prestigious Paris Salon in 1878. This marked an important step in gaining international recognition. He continued to work and exhibit in France for several years, solidifying his reputation and refining the distinctive style that would become his hallmark. Between 1882 and 1887, he spent time in Carolles, Normandy, a coastal village that attracted other artists, where he interacted with fellow Swedish painters like Allan Österlind and Theodor Robertgerth.
Master of Light and Atmosphere
Per Ekström's artistic identity is inextricably linked to his profound ability to capture light and atmosphere. He became particularly famous for his depictions of sunsets, often set in the flat, open landscapes characteristic of his native Öland or other parts of Sweden. These are not typically fiery, dramatic sunsets, but rather the more subtle, lingering glow after the sun has dipped below the horizon, suffusing the sky and land with a soft, melancholic, yet luminous light. He possessed an uncanny skill for rendering the delicate transitions of color and tone during these twilight hours.
His landscapes often feature desolate or sparsely populated areas – wide plains, coastal stretches, quiet forests under snow. This focus on emptiness allows the interplay of light and atmosphere to take center stage. There's a sense of stillness and tranquility in his work, a quiet contemplation of nature's moods. He was equally adept at painting winter scenes, capturing the unique quality of light reflecting off snow and the stark beauty of the frozen landscape. The air itself seems palpable in his paintings, whether it's the crisp chill of winter or the damp haze of dawn.
Ekström's technique involved a sensitive handling of paint, often using subtle tonal gradations to build form and depth. While influenced by Impressionism's focus on light, his brushwork was generally smoother, though sometimes incorporating a more broken application of color, a technique noted by contemporaries like August Strindberg's nephew, Tranquillo Strindberg, who attempted to emulate it. Ekström is often described as a bridge figure, connecting the emotional depth and reverence for nature found in Romanticism with the Impressionists' optical concerns and focus on transient effects.
Several works stand out as representative of his style. Landscape after Sunset (1869), an earlier piece, already shows his interest in the effects of fading light. Forest Landscape at Dawn (1879) demonstrates his ability to handle complex light filtering through trees. Winter Landscape (1900) exemplifies his mastery of snow scenes and cool, clear light. These paintings, among many others, showcase his consistent dedication to exploring the nuances of the Swedish landscape under specific, often challenging, light conditions. He was particularly praised for capturing the unique light of Öland, sometimes described as a "mysterious glow connecting land and sky."
Recognition and Exhibitions
Ekström's dedication and unique vision earned him considerable recognition both in Sweden and internationally during his lifetime. His participation in the Paris Salons was a significant achievement, placing him among the respected artists of the European scene. A major milestone was winning a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) in Paris in 1889. These large international exhibitions were crucial platforms for artists to gain prestige and visibility, and a gold medal was a high honor, confirming his status.
He also participated in other significant exhibitions. Sources mention his work being shown at the 1897 World's Fair, possibly referring to the General Art and Industrial Exposition of Stockholm that year, which had a large art component, or another international expo. His return to Sweden did not diminish his exhibition activity. In 1891, his work was exhibited by the Gothenburg Art Association (Göteborgs Konstförening), where it was reportedly received with high praise from art critics, helping to solidify his reputation back home.
Later in his career, he continued to be included in important cultural events. In 1926, his paintings were featured alongside works by Nils Kure at the 5th Swedish Cultural Festival held in Kalmar, demonstrating his enduring relevance within the Swedish art world even in his later years. After his death, his contributions were honored, for instance, through a memorial exhibition held at the Gothenburg Museum of Art, acknowledging his significant place in the history of Swedish painting. These exhibitions ensured his work was seen by the public and appreciated by critics and collectors.
Return to Sweden and Later Career
In 1891, Per Ekström decided to return to Sweden, reportedly encouraged by the influential Gothenburg-based art collector and merchant Pontus Fürstenberg. Fürstenberg was a major patron of the arts in Sweden, and his advice likely carried weight. Upon his return, Ekström did not settle back in Öland or Gothenburg permanently, but rather established himself in the capital, Stockholm.
He set up his studio in a notable new building, the Birger Jarls Bazar. This structure, located centrally near the Birger Jarlsgatan passage, was considered one of Stockholm's first modern office buildings, making Ekström's choice of studio location quite contemporary for the time. This Stockholm base allowed him to remain connected to the country's main artistic and cultural hub while continuing his focus on landscape painting.
His return did not signify a major shift in his artistic themes or style. He remained devoted to capturing the Swedish landscape, drawing inspiration from the nature he knew intimately. The atmospheric effects, the play of light at dawn and dusk, and the quiet solitude of the countryside continued to be his primary subjects. He brought back the techniques and sensibilities honed during his years in France and applied them to the specific light and character of his homeland.
His later career saw him continue to produce works that were sought after by collectors and appreciated for their consistent quality and distinctive mood. He maintained his position as one of Sweden's foremost landscape painters, respected for his technical skill and his unique ability to convey the poetic essence of the Nordic environment. He continued painting well into the 20th century, working until shortly before his death in 1935 at the advanced age of 90.
Relationships with Contemporaries
Per Ekström's career unfolded during a dynamic period in Swedish art, interacting with many prominent figures. His relationships seem to have been characterized more by collegial interaction and mutual influence than by overt rivalry. One notable connection was with August Strindberg, the famous playwright and author who also pursued painting, particularly during certain periods of his life. Strindberg associated with Ekström and other artists from the 1870s onwards and was reportedly inspired by Ekström's approach to landscape and technique.
Ekström was also part of a broader circle of Swedish artists who were reshaping the national art scene, many of whom had also spent time in France. This generation included key figures associated with the "Opponenterna" (The Opponents) movement, which challenged the conservative standards of the Royal Academy, although Ekström himself wasn't formally listed as a member. Important contemporaries included Richard Bergh, a leading portrait and landscape painter and art theorist; Karl Nordström, known for his powerful landscapes and a central figure in National Romanticism; and the sculptor Per Hasselberg. Ekström maintained long-standing friendships with artists like these.
His time in France also brought him into contact with other Scandinavian artists working abroad, such as Allan Österlind and Theodor Robertgerth, whom he knew during his stay in Carolles. Back in Sweden, he would have been aware of, and likely interacted with, other major figures of the era like Anders Zorn, celebrated for his vibrant portraits and nudes; Carl Larsson, famous for his idyllic depictions of domestic life; and Bruno Liljefors, the preeminent wildlife painter. Another contemporary landscape painter influenced by French styles was Nils Kreuger, known for his atmospheric depictions of Öland and rural life, sharing some thematic ground with Ekström. This network of artists, through friendships, shared experiences abroad, and participation in the same exhibitions, created a rich context for Ekström's own work.
Legacy and Influence
Per Ekström left a lasting legacy as one of Sweden's most distinctive landscape painters. His unique contribution lies in his synthesis of Nordic sensibility with French techniques, particularly those derived from the Barbizon School and influenced by Impressionism's focus on light. He carved out a niche with his atmospheric depictions of sunsets, dawns, and winter scenes, capturing the specific moods and light conditions of the Swedish landscape with remarkable sensitivity.
His work influenced subsequent generations of artists. As mentioned, Tranquillo Strindberg consciously studied and tried to adopt Ekström's broken-color technique in his early work, indicating the technical interest Ekström's paintings generated among younger artists. More broadly, Ekström's success demonstrated the potential for Swedish artists to engage with international trends while remaining true to their national subjects and identity. He helped pave the way for a modern approach to landscape painting in Sweden, one that valued atmosphere and personal interpretation over purely topographical accuracy or academic convention.
Today, Per Ekström's paintings are held in major Swedish museum collections, including the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and the Gothenburg Museum of Art, as well as in numerous regional museums and private collections. His work continues to be appreciated for its technical skill, its evocative power, and its quiet, contemplative beauty. He remains recognized as a master of light, an artist who could translate the subtle nuances of the natural world onto canvas with profound feeling and artistry.
Conclusion
Per Ekström's long and productive career secured his place as a key figure in late 19th and early 20th-century Swedish art. From his early training at the Royal Academy to his formative years in France and his established career back in Sweden, he remained dedicated to the genre of landscape painting. His specialization in capturing the ephemeral effects of light, particularly the serene glow of sunsets and the crisp atmosphere of winter, resulted in a body of work that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant. As an artist who successfully navigated the transition from Romantic sensibilities to modern techniques, Ekström offers a compelling vision of the Swedish landscape, rendered with a mastery of light and atmosphere that continues to captivate viewers today.
