Artwork
The Beginning of Winter
The Beginning of Winter is an oil painting by Axel Sjöberg. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896, *The Beginning of Winter* is an oil painting by Swedish artist Axel Sjöberg (1866–mid‑20th century). The work depicts a stark, frozen landscape under a somber sky, rendered with a palette dominated by deep, muted tones that convey the chill and stillness of early winter. It is part of the permanent collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a bleak winter scene: skeletal trees and low bushes occupy the foreground, while a distant water surface, broken by floating ice, recedes into the horizon. The muted atmosphere and barren vegetation evoke the transition into the cold season, suggesting both the physical harshness of winter and a contemplative pause in the natural cycle.
Technique & Style
Sjöberg employs thick, impasto brushwork, especially evident in the textured foliage and the rough bark of the trees. The application of paint creates a tactile surface that enhances the sense of cold, while the limited, dark color scheme reinforces the moody ambience. The overall style aligns with late‑19th‑century Scandinavian landscape traditions, emphasizing mood over precise detail.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. Sjöberg’s career extended beyond this work; notably, he entered the painting competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics, reflecting his ongoing engagement with artistic institutions and public exhibitions throughout his lifetime.
Artist & collection
Artist
Axel Sjöberg (6 November 1866 – 5 October 1950) was a Swedish painter. His work was part of the painting event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics.
