It probably takes a self-taught artist to so accurately articulate the nonexistent need for adequate education. It's an extremely bold statement, especially considering that the painter behind the words dedicated a lifetime to transforming the mundane into something elevated. And after an exhibition at Thielska Gallery in Stockholm a few years ago, the international audience discovered his greatness, thereby completely transforming the pricing of his art.
Oskar Bergman in the 1950's. © Lo Hertzman-Ericson / Oskar Bergmans familjearkiv
The artist in question is landscape painter Oskar Bergman (1879–1963). In Sweden, he has long been known for his small nature depictions—often featuring birch trunks in the foreground or red cottages against green meadows and blue skies. Idyllic watercolors of Swedish nature, widely available on the market. It’s said that he created at least one painting a day.
Why would I need a professor to tell me what a tree looks like? I can see for myself what the tree looks like.
– Oskar BergmanThese motifs may seem somewhat mass-produced. The quick-witted Bergman himself reportedly said of the birches:
"They’re not typical of me. They’re typical of the audience. I’m sick of them. I’ve sold every single one."
And when art dealers from other countries buy Oskar Bergman's art today, it is indeed something else they demand. It is primarily his early works with elements of national romanticism, sometimes also with a touch of japonism and Art Nouveau. In these paintings, nature is depicted more as a being than as a silent backdrop, without being overly corrected or directed. They preferably date back to sometime during the first two decades of the 20th century. And from that time, his pencil drawings are extremely popular and can cost much more than his later works in watercolor or oil. Occasionally, he also joins the ranks of the blue painters when he captures the Swedish capital in the evening in several shades of blue.
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As the art market becomes increasingly global, more Swedish artists from the early 20th century are being reevaluated. This trend has been particularly noticeable among Swedish painters active in the early part of the last century. And with the help of the eyes of international art connoisseurs, Swedes have also come to view - and appreciate - these artists in a new light.
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