Johan Christian Dahl

Johan Schweigaard, Oslo (1937)

Oslo, Nasjonalgalleriet, Norges Jubilaeumsutstilling, 1914, no. 61
Oslo, Nasjonalgalleriet, Jubileumsutstilling, 1988, no. 84

Marie Lødrup Bang, Johan Christian Dahl 1788-1857.  Life and Works, Oslo, 1987, vol. 2, p. 162, no. 464, catalogued; vol. 3, pl. 188, no. 464, illustrated 

The canvas has been relined. There are some small spots of retouching visible under ultraviolet light, mainly to the upper right quadrant, partially obscured by a varnish. The work is overall in good condition. Held in a decorative, gold-painted moulded plaster and wood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Painted in 1824, the present work depicts the idyllic rural environment of Dresden, where Dahl lived and worked during the 1820s. The early 1820s were a busy and prosperous time for Dahl. After finishing his studies under the tutelage of the highly respected C.A Lorentzen in Denmark in 1818, on his move to Dresden Dahl's circumstances underwent dramatic change. On his arrival he quickly immersed himself in the artistic life of the city. Among the many and varied friendships that he struck up there, one of his earliest acquaintances was Caspar David Friedrich. Early in 1820 he was elected a member of the Dresden Academy, and in June the same year he married Emilie von Bloch. Spending the following year in Rome and Naples, he returned to Dresden with his young wife in the summer of 1821.