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ANTIQUE #SA1093177

Oscar Torna, River Landscape, Grez-sur-loing, Nocturne - Antique Oil Painting

£2,295    $2,982    €2,734
This late-19th-century oil painting by Swedish artist Oscar Torna (1842-1894) depicts a river landscape at Grez-Sur-Loing, France, under moonlight. Torna was an important figure in the evolution of Swedish naturalism.
 
Heavy silhouetted boughs obscure the moon, while the silent river shimmers in silver. It’s an evocative scene, a near-monochromatic masterclass in nocturnal painting. Tranquillity, solitude, the restorative qualities of nature - the artist found it here.
 
Born in Kättilstad parish, Östergötland, Sweden, Torna initially trained in commerce before pursuing his artistic endeavours. In 1863, he enrolled at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm and embarked on a lengthy period of formal tuition.
 
Considered one of its most promising students, his early works were soon exhibited by the Academy, where they were met enthusiastically. His ‘Oak Forest with Approaching Storm’ was acquired by the Stockholm Art Association.
 
At this point in his career, his methods were based upon the views of his tutors, which tended to be formulaic. He’d been instructed, for example, to adopt pleasing compositions, which idealised the natural world, rather than replicated it. Individualism was frowned upon and the old masters were glorified. Budding artists were also discouraged from completing a work entirely outside as studies from nature were seen as little more than a memory aid. Finished works were typically undertaken within the confines of a studio.
 
Despite his early success, Torna was plagued by restlessness and sought to broaden his horizons via travel - first heading to Düsseldorf, the home of academic landscape painting. Yet, despite its riches, he soon became disenchanted by the lack of innovation and moved to Paris - a city abundant with new ideas.
 
Here, within the cafes and ateliers, he discovered a culture blossoming with individual spirit - urging its artists to express their unique characteristics. In nearby Fontainebleau, painters su...
Antique #SA1093177, shown on this page, originates from 1870. For historical context, the timeline below highlights the period when it was made:
1870
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