Leander Engström (1886-1927) studied with Henri Matisse in Paris and at the Konstnärsförbundets school in Stockholm. Engström was part of the artist group De unga together with Isaac Grünewald and others, among others. Engström found inspiration in Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. Leander Engström followed in Osslund's footsteps and was captivated by Lapland's overwhelmed natural scenes, which he depicted with the shapes and colors of Fauvism. The paintings from 1912-1915 – landscapes, still lifes and nudes – are harmonious and sensitive, constructed according to Cézanne's principles in discreet, cool colors. The years 1916-1919 can be seen as his most expressionistic period. Sweeping lines, large stylized planes and strong clear colors are dominated by his characteristic cold green. In 1920-1922 he stayed in Italy to study the Hungarian Renaissance. During that time he approached the new reality. Leander Engström was one of the most significant of Matisse's students.
Technique: Oil on canvas
Size: approx. 67 x 96 cm incl. frame (47.5 x 76 cm excl. frame)
Year: Signed & dated 1909