Hunting Dogs, 1921

A large 1921 oil on canvas by Swedish painter Emil Nordberger (1889–1942), depicting two hunting dogs moving through an autumn landscape. Signed and dated lower left, the unusually wide composition measures nearly four feet across in its gilt-toned frame.

About the Artist

Emil Nordberger (1889–1942) was a Swedish painter closely associated with the landscape and wildlife of the Dannemora region of Uppland. A biographical account published by the Dannemora local-history society records that Nordberger was the son of Fritz Nordberger, station inspector at Dannemora railway station. From an early age, he spent considerable time roaming the surrounding forests studying animals and the natural landscape. His father envisioned a career in forestry for him, but Nordberger instead chose to become a painter. The same account notes that his paintings became familiar in homes throughout the Dannemora area. Filer

That early study of animals in their natural environment became a defining theme of his work. Surviving paintings and Swedish auction records document an extensive body of animal subjects—including elk, gulls, shorebirds, woodpeckers, birds in winter landscapes and other wildlife—alongside Swedish landscapes. Documented works date from at least 1913 through 1941, showing that he pursued these subjects across much of his career.

Details

Original oil on canvas
Swedish, dated 1921
Signed lower left
Presented in a gilt-toned frame
Acquired in Sweden

Measurements

23.6 × 47.4 inches framed

Condition

The auction house reports only minor wear consistent with age.