Louise af Geijerstam was born into a Swedish noble family at a time when women of her class were expected to cultivate artistic skills as part of their education, but rarely to pursue them professionally. Encouraged by her family, she developed a keen interest in drawing and painting from a young age. Determined to refine her abilities, she studied at Frauenakademie in Munich. Further studies took her abroad, to Italy, where she encountered impressionism, plein air painting, and the Italian Renaissance, influences that would subtly shape her own work.
Portrait of Ebba Marianne Wrangel af Sausis at Åkerby in Nerike, oil on canvas.
Painter of Light-Filled Interiors and Landscapes
Geijerstam’s paintings reflect a harmonious blend of academic discipline and the looser brushwork of late 19th-century impressionism. She favoured interior scenes, often portraying sunlit rooms with carefully observed details, as well as landscapes capturing the Swedish countryside in different seasons. Her palette was refined, with an emphasis on soft, balanced tones that conveyed tranquillity. She had an exceptional ability to capture the interplay of light and shadow, whether in the delicate filtering of sunlight through a lace curtain or the dappled light across a summer meadow.
A Life of Activism and Public Service
Louise af Geijerstam’s contributions extended far beyond the art world. A dedicated advocate for women’s suffrage, she was an active member of the Swedish movement for voting rights. Her commitment to social and political change led her to an important role in public service. In a time when women's participation in politics was just beginning, she was elected to the Stockholm City Council, where she served from 1927 to 1934. During her tenure, she focused on issues related to education and public welfare, using her platform to advocate for the rights and well-being of her fellow citizens.