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Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting
Sold by Brave Fine Art
sold SA1026961
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Brave Fine Art

Brave Fine Art

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    Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
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Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting

1900 - 1920
Sold 15 October 2024 · Brave Fine Art
This “Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting” found a buyer.

It was listed by Brave Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

This early 20th-century post-impressionist oil painting by Swedish artist Nils Kjellberg (1871-1938) depicts a field worker sowing the land. It’s inspired by Jean-François Millet’s work of the same name.

Clutching handfuls of seeds he marches through a field under the glow of early morning. While beyond, a powerful horse drags a plough. It’s a poignant vision of rural determination with the composition glorifying the central figure in oversized proportions. Millet’s original was similar yet noticeably different. For example, Millet placed the plough in the top right, whereas here it’s on the left. Kjellberg also removed the swirl of crows. And the figure itself has different features.

It’s interesting that Kjellberg painted this following the outbreak of World War I as the headwear feels akin to a military-style helmet. Note the strap under his chin, which is not present in Millet’s version. The moustache, too, is a new addition.

Sweden remained neutral during the war but Kjellberg would’ve been all too aware of the developments in Europe. The earth feels barren and desolate, what is actually being sown here?

Vincent van Gogh also produced an homage to The Sower but enlivened it with vibrant colours. It’s a theme that seems to resonate with numerous artists.

Signed and perhaps dated in the lower right. Framed.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 21” x 25½” / 53cm x 65cm

Year of creation: c. 1915

Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse. Supplier’s stamp relating to Lefranc Bourgeois, France.

Provenance: Private collection, Sweden. Conserved by Ateljé Catellani in Stockholm.

Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable (it appears more pronounced in the photographs but presents more evenly in life). Frame with some light wear.

Nils Kjellberg was an accomplished Swedish draughtsman, cartoonist and painter. He’s known predominantly for illustrating numerous children’s books. He’s represented in the National Museum and Gothenburg Art Museum.

Learn more about Nils Kjellberg in our directory.

Date of Manufacture

Brave Fine Art has dated this Antique Oil Painting to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
65cm (25.59")
Width
53cm (20.87")
Depth
4cm (1.57")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1026961
Description
This early 20th-century post-impressionist oil painting by Swedish artist Nils Kjellberg (1871-1938) depicts a field worker sowing the land. It’s inspired by Jean-François Millet’s work of the same name.

Clutching handfuls of seeds he marches through a field under the glow of early morning. While beyond, a powerful horse drags a plough.

“
It’s a poignant vision of rural determination with the composition glorifying the central figure in oversized proportions.
Brave Fine Art

Millet’s original was similar yet noticeably different. For example, Millet placed the plough in the top right, whereas here it’s on the left. Kjellberg also removed the swirl of crows. And the figure itself has different features.

fig 1. An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood.
fig 1. Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting

It’s interesting that Kjellberg painted this following the outbreak of World War I as the headwear feels akin to a military-style helmet. Note the strap under his chin, which is not present in Millet’s version. The moustache, too, is a new addition.

fig 2. An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood.
fig 2. Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting

Sweden remained neutral during the war but Kjellberg would’ve been all too aware of the developments in Europe. The earth feels barren and desolate, what is actually being sown here?

Vincent van Gogh also produced an homage to The Sower but enlivened it with vibrant colours. It’s a theme that seems to resonate with numerous artists.

fig 3. An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood.
fig 3. Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting

Signed and perhaps dated in the lower right. Framed.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 21” x 25½” / 53cm x 65cm

Year of creation: c. 1915

Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse. Supplier’s stamp relating to Lefranc Bourgeois, France.

fig 4. An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood.
fig 4. Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting

Provenance: Private collection, Sweden. Conserved by Ateljé Catellani in Stockholm.

Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable (it appears more pronounced in the photographs but presents more evenly in life). Frame with some light wear.

fig 5. An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood.
fig 5. Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting

Nils Kjellberg was an accomplished Swedish draughtsman, cartoonist and painter. He’s known predominantly for illustrating numerous children’s books. He’s represented in the National Museum and Gothenburg Art Museum.

Learn more about Nils Kjellberg in our directory.

Date of Manufacture

Brave Fine Art has dated this Antique Oil Painting to the 1910s.

Height
65cm (25.59")
Width
53cm (20.87")
Depth
4cm (1.57")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1026961
Brave Fine Art
Brave Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2018

Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brave Fine Art Profile Page

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An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Nils Kjellberg, the Sower - Antique Oil Painting

Archive II An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. View II
Archive III An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. View III
Archive IV An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. View IV
Archive V An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. View V
Archive VI An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. View VI
Archive VII An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. View VII
Archive VIII An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. View VIII
Archive IX An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood. View IX
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Brave Fine Art

Brave Fine Art
Telephone 01684 215986
Location
21 Enterprise Way
Arle Road
Cheltenham
Cotswolds
GL51 8LZ
United Kingdom

Under appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/bravefineart
Verified Since Nov 2018
Items For Sale 76
Items Sold 1,853
Brave Fine Art
Brave Fine Art
Verified Since Nov 2018
View Dealer Info
Location: 21 Enterprise Way, Arle Road, Cheltenham, Cotswolds, GL51 8LZ, United Kingdom, , Under appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/bravefineart
Verified
Nov 2018
For Sale
76
Sold
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An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood.
Nils Kjellberg, The Sower - Antique Oil Painting
Ref: SA1026961
An antique oil painting depicting a rural worker sowing seeds in a dark field under a yellow and blue sky, framed in black wood.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
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Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectPaintings
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleRealism
  • MaterialCanvas, Oil Paint, Wood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsVisible brushstrokes, Figurative subject, Textured impasto
  • SizeH 65 cm (26 in) x W 53 cm (21 in) x D 4 cm (2 in)

FAQs

This artwork reflects academic or impressionistic traditions of the period, characterised by expressive brushwork and narrative subject matter.

Authentic works from this era typically feature oil pigments applied to stretched linen or canvas, housed within a period wooden frame.

Authentication relies on examining canvas oxidisation, stretcher bar construction, pigment composition, and artist signatures or gallery stamps.

Pairing historical art with contemporary decor creates a sophisticated focal point, especially when illuminated with a dedicated picture light.

Keep the artwork away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity fluctuations, and clean the canvas only with professional conservation methods.
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