922/​229

Johannes S. Kjarval (b. Efri-Ey 1885, d. Reykjavik 1972)

Mt. Esja, Iceland. Unsigned with the artist's text in the lower right corner. Indian ink on paper. Visible size 86×113 cm.

“With its face-like formations, Mount Esja, which is visible from Reykjavik on a clear day, is a naturally formed equivalent to America’s Mount Rushmore. Possessing a vivid imagination and creative prowess, Kjarval expertly captured the soulful shapes of the mountain and nature, and seamlessly incorporated them into his works. The following statement/dedication appears in the composition: “Dear highly regarded venerable Jon Sveinbjørnsson, Copenhagen. When I saw your birthday photo in today’s newspaper here in Reykjavik, I was inspired to do a drawing of the rock formation in Esjan. Wishing you good health and happiness. Yours, Johannes Kjarval.” Over the years, Kjarval executed several interpretations of the “photogenic” mountain: Ink and pencil drawings, which, according to the graphic artist Gylfi Gíslasson, should not be seen as preliminary studies for oil paintings, but as works in their own right: “Kjarval also drew landscapes as independent works of art. In Mt. Esja in the Spring Thaw (p. 432), he drew up an image with broad pitch-black strokes of India ink showing screes on sheer mountain slopes, with paper-white snowdrifts between the brushstrokes and in the gullies and hollows, and a belt of rock ledges at the top. The dingy sky above is done in shades of grey smudged from pools of ink that have dried out to enhance the overall effect. Such a drawing is an independent work of art, not a preparation for a painting.” Kjarval, 1885–1972”, p. 528, other interpretations of Mount Esja reproduced on p. 524. Provenance: Private collection, Iceland.

This lot is subject to Artist's Royalty.
Condition

Examined in frame. The paper has turned brown. Minor pinholes. Minor scratches and marks.

Additional Remarks

Please note: The item is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. In the event of a hammer price of DKK 50,000 or more, including buyer’s premium, the buyer must submit a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of address in order to collect the item.

Auction

Modern paintings sculptures and prints, 17 September 2024

Category
Estimate

30,000–40,000 DKK

Price realised

Not sold