Esther Kjerner (1888-1973) was a Swedish painter known for her lyrical landscapes, harmonious still lifes and a timeless painting characterized by color and balance. She stuck to a classical style even when modernism took hold, which meant that her recognition came late. It was not until the age of 70 that she was highlighted by the art patron Gösta Stenman and received the breakthrough she deserved.

Educated at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts and later in Rome, Brittany and Paris – including at the Académie Colarossi – Kjerner developed an expression inspired by Renaissance masters and Dutch landscape painting. Her solo exhibition at Gösta Stenman in 1941 established her as a valued and significant Swedish artist.