Johan Boklund

About the Painting

This oil on canvas painting by Swedish artist Johan Christoffer Boklund (1817-1880), created around 1860, captures the warmth of 19th-century Scandinavian domestic life. The work showcases Boklund's ability to transform everyday moments into compelling artistic narratives through his mastery of genre painting.

This domestic interior scene depicts three generations gathered in a rustic Swedish kitchen. The composition centers on an elderly grandmother in traditional dress, seated near a glowing stone hearth, while two children marvel at a lobster displayed on a wooden table. Boklund's warm lighting and meticulous attention to period details create an intimate atmosphere that celebrates Swedish rural traditions.

The artist's expert handling of chiaroscuro lighting and authentic domestic elements—scattered cookware, fresh vegetables, and household implements—demonstrates the technical skill that made Boklund one of Sweden's most respected 19th-century painters. The scene reflects the genre painting tradition that flourished in Scandinavia during this period, focusing on the dignity and beauty of everyday life.

About the Artist

Johan Christoffer Boklund (1817-1880) was one of Sweden's most distinguished 19th-century artists, renowned for his historical paintings, genre scenes, and royal portraits. Born in Kulla-Gunnarstorp, Scania, he became a pivotal figure in Scandinavian art history.

Starting as a gardener's son, Boklund began his artistic career at fifteen, working on scientific illustrations in Lund. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen under J. L. Lund, then continued at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in Stockholm from 1837. His breakthrough came with works like "Girl with Flowers" and "Gustaf Adolf's Farewell from Maria Eleonora," which earned him academic recognition and medals.

Boklund spent eight transformative years in Munich (1846-1854) alongside fellow Swedish painter Johan Fredrik Höckert, making study trips throughout Bavaria, Tyrol, and northern Italy. His painting "The Curious Trumpet Player" (1853) earned him a government scholarship to study in Paris at Thomas Couture's atelier (1854-1855).

Returning to Sweden in 1855, Boklund became a painting professor at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts and taught King Charles XV of Sweden (1856-1872), developing a close friendship with the monarch. He later served as curator of the Swedish National Museum of Fine Arts (1866) and academy director (1867). Boklund married Johanna Carola Stuttgardter in 1858 and had eight children. Their daughter Thyra Grafström (1864-1925) became a notable textile artist.

Technical Details

Artist: Johan Christoffer Boklund (1817-1880)
Signed: Unsigned
Date: c.1860
Medium: Oil on canvas
Condition: Very good condition with age-appropriate conservation work completed c.1900
Dimensions: 47 x 58 cm / 18½ x 22¾ in
Frame: 64 x 75 cm / 25 x 29½ in, gilded frame, very good condition
Origin: Sweden

An intimate example of Swedish genre painting by a Royal Academy professor and National Museum curator.