The Nationalmuseum has acquired a drawing by François Chauveau depicting the procession of Queen Kristina’s solemn entry into Paris on 8 September 1656. She was then at the height of her sovereign fame and large crowds of people had gathered on the streets of the city to get a glimpse of the Queen. Until now, the drawing has been part of a private art collection in France.
Nationalmuseum has acquired a piece created by the Swedish sculptor Agnes de Frumerie (1869-1937) in collaboration with the French ceramist Edmond Lachenal (1855-1948). The sculpture, which is a nearly one meter tall relief made of glazed stoneware, depicts a group of people in an arc shaped opening.
Nationalmuseum has acquired three paintings from early 19th century France, by the artists Étienne Bouhot and Charles Marie Bouton. The trio of works reflect the era's fascination with city views and different forms of spatiality. These images of everyday life are utterly unsentimental. Perspective and light are important artistic tools that can be used to create a sense of illusion.
Nationalmuseum has acquired three drawings by Edme Bouchardon (1698–1762), François Boucher (1703–70) and Nicolas Bernard Lépicié (1735–84), leading artists of the French 18th century. The works comprise two portraits and a figure study for one of the museum’s most famous paintings, The Triumph of Venus.
To mark the 40th birthday of HRH Crown Princess Victoria, the Friends of Nationalmuseum have presented the National Portrait Collection at Gripsholm Castle with a photographic portrait by Thron Ullberg depicting the princess in one of her favourite settings, the Gustav III Pavilion at Haga.
Nationalmuseum has acquired works by three French Romantic painters who worked in Rome in the early 19th century. The three paintings straddle the boundary of the plein air and vernacular genres. Although based on direct observation of the scene, all three are believed to have been wholly or partially painted in the studio. To varying degrees, figures lend the works a narrative character.
Nationalmuseum has added the ceramic sculpture Alphabet Aerobics E–16 by Anton Alvarez to its collection. Alvarez’s art is an ongoing study of how he can create artefacts while liberating himself from the creation process and the expectations and traditions of the world at large.
Nationalmuseum has acquired a portrait by Carl Fredrik von Breda of the actor Saint-Ange. It is one of a suite of role portraits depicting members of King Gustav III’s French theatre troupe led by the legendary Jacques Marie Boutet, known as Monvel. Besides being a superb example of Gustavian art, the portrait shows the young von Breda’s skill as a portrait painter in his own right.
Nationalmuseum has acquired two Italian scenes by Danish golden age artists: Loggia on Procida by Martinus Rørbye (1835) and The Temple of Minerva at the Forum Nervae by Constantin Hansen (circa 1840). Each piece in its way represents some of the finest work produced by north European artists on their travels to the south.
Nationalmuseum has acquired three works by the German-Danish artist Louis Gurlitt (1812–97), which between them illustrate different aspects of the artist’s diverse oeuvre. Gurlitt studied in Copenhagen and early in his career was considered a promising figure in Danish painting.
These are exciting times for the design world. New technology is creating new opportunities, but there are major challenges involved in building a sustainable society. Crossing Borders–Smart Design, an exhibition presented in partnership with Swedavia, showcases products by Swedish designers in the fields of communication, manufacturing and sustainable design. The exhibition opens 28 June.
The burgeoning of design and fine craft in Finland from 1900 to the present day will be the theme of the closing exhibition at Nationalmuseum Design, Nationalmuseum’s temporary space for design-related exhibitions in Stockholm. The exhibition Hundred Years of Finnish Design - From the Rafaela & Kaj Forsblom Collection opens June 20 with a press preview at 10:00 the same morning.
