In celebration of Carl XVI Gustaf’s 70th birthday, the Friends of Nationalmuseum, Nationalmusei Vänner, has given the Swedish National Portrait Gallery at Gripsholm Castle a gift comprising eight portraits of H. M. the King and members of the royal family. The photographic portraits are by four renowned Swedish photographers: Dawid (Björn Dawidsson), Bruno Ehrs, Thron Ullberg and Mattias Edwall.
The Nationalmuseum has acquired a red-chalk figure study for a Hercules, in three-quarter-length from the 1640s by the Italian Baroque artist Guercino. The drawing that in the 18th century belonged to the Swedish diplomat and art collector Count Carl Gustaf Tessin has thus been reunited with the main part of his drawings collection in the museum’s holdings.
Continuing its programming on the theme of art jewellery, Nationalmuseum is presenting an exhibition titled The Jeweller’s Art at Läckö Castle this summer. On show will be some 300 pieces – tiaras, necklaces, brooches, snuff boxes, pocket watches and miniature portraits – dating from 1650 to the present day. The materials range from gold, pearls and diamonds to plastic, eggshell and perch skin.
Nationalmuseum has acquired a unique piece of art glass designed by Betzy Ählström. The Christmas Cactus vase was manufactured in 1902 at the Reijmyre glassworks where she was hired for a brief period. Ählström is now considered one of the female pioneers in the history of Swedish glassmaking and only a few works by her are known.
This spring Nationalmuseum Design will host an exhibition of contemporary art jewellery. The exhibition features 30 international artists with about 160 works on display. A press preview will be held on 11 march at 10 am.
Thirty years ago, Kulturhuset staged a landmark exhibition of international art jewellery. Nationalmuseum is excited to present a sequel, but this time the exhibition is one of many. Various Stockholm museums, galleries and artist collectives are hosting parallel exhibitions of significant Swedish work.
Nationalmuseum has acquired a nude by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, a central figure in the art history of the Danish Golden Age. Nationalmuseum has also acquired a second nude and an idyllic interior scene of a mother and child by a window, both painted by Eckersberg’s pupil Ludvig August Smith.
A year ago, during Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, Nationalmuseum Design opened as a new arena for design. This year two exhibitions are on show; The New Map and Women Pioneers. During the week there will be guided tours, a design talk and a release party together with Omforma, all with free admission.
Thanks to a generous donation, Nationalmuseum has acquired a unique photographic portrait by C.G. Rosenberg of King Gustaf VI Adolf. This portrait of Gustaf VI Adolf is the most widely circulated image of the king. A version of it remains in daily use in the form of a five-krona coin, which is to be gradually withdrawn from circulation, starting in the autumn of 2016.
Nationalmuseum at Konstakademien
The Artist
11 February – 4 September 2016
The Artist is an exhibition that discusses what it means to be an artist, in both a contemporary and a historical context. It examines roles, ideals and myths, illustrating how artists have related to the values, audiences and markets of their time. The exhibition is co-produced by Konstakademien (The Royal Academy
Nationalmuseum has acquired a study of a man in Turkish dress by Amalia Lindegren, a significant addition to the museum’s collection of works by female artists. The painting was a prize in a Christmas lottery run by the Swedish Association for Art in 1854 and was won by Fredrik Bergwall, a manufacturer from Norrköping. Until now, it has remained in his family’s possession.
The latest edition of the Art Bulletin of Nationalmuseum is now available. The Art Bulletin is an academic journal in digital format, published annually in English. Since 2014 it has been an entirely digital publication, available to download and read free of charge either in full or as individual articles.
