Who painted Moon Rising in the Skerries?

Moon Rising in the Skerries was painted by Karl Konrad Simonsson in 1887.

Where can I see Moon Rising in the Skerries?

Moon Rising in the Skerries is held by Nationalmuseum.

Artwork

Moon Rising in the Skerries

Moon Rising in the Skerries is an oil painting by Karl Konrad Simonsson. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Karl Konrad Simonsson’s oil work, Moon Rising in the Skerries, dates to around 1887. The canvas captures a tranquil coastal scene where a moon ascends over calm waters, illuminating the sky and sea with a muted light. The composition balances a distant sailboat with a rocky shoreline, creating a sense of quiet contemplation.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a narrow archipelago coastline at night, where a small wooden vessel rests on a grassy, rock‑strewn bank while a lone sailboat drifts farther out. The rising moon, reflected on the water’s surface, suggests a moment of transition, evoking themes of solitude and the gentle passage of time.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, Simonsson employs a restrained palette of blues, grays, and muted earth tones. Soft brushwork renders the moon’s glow, while more defined strokes outline the shoreline and the hull of the boat. The overall effect is a delicate interplay of light and atmosphere characteristic of late‑19th‑century Nordic landscape painting.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1887, Moon Rising in the Skerries entered the collection of Sweden’s Nationalmuseum, where it remains on display. The work reflects Simonsson’s mature period, during which he focused on maritime subjects and the interplay of natural light.

Context

At the time of its creation, Swedish artists were increasingly interested in depicting the country’s rugged coastlines and the subtle moods of northern light. Simonsson’s painting aligns with this movement, offering a quiet, observational approach to the sea rather than the dramatic, romanticized scenes favored by earlier generations.