Arvid Lorentz Fougstedt was a prominent Swedish painter, illustrator, and muralist, widely recognised as one of the most distinctive representatives of the New Objectivity (Nya sakligheten) movement in Sweden. Born and raised in Stockholm, Fougstedt demonstrated an early talent for drawing and began his formal art education at the Technical School (now Konstfack) before further studies at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts. He also worked as a cartoonist for the satirical magazine Puck early in his career.
“Erik at the Door”, clubbed for 12 474 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
From Illustration to Monumental Art
Fougstedt began his artistic journey as an illustrator and graphic artist, contributing to several Swedish publications and developing a keen eye for composition and character. In the 1920s and 1930s, he expanded his practice to include mural painting and public commissions, creating large-scale frescoes and decorative schemes for churches and state buildings. His style was marked by precise lines, a restrained palette, and a subtle lyricism that reflected Scandinavian light and mood. While Fougstedt generally adhered to a realist style, he occasionally experimented with Cubism, notably after spending time in Picasso’s studio.His paintings, such as Ingres in the Studio of Jacques-Louis David, are celebrated for their clarity and emotional depth.
Street scene from Madrid, oil on canvas.
A Respected Voice in Swedish Art
Fougstedt was also a professor at the Royal Academy, where he mentored a new generation of Swedish painters. His portraits of academics, writers and cultural figures were especially admired for their calm dignity and psychological insight.