After two exhibitions devoted to Swedish painters Carl Larsson (2014) and Anders Zorn (2017), the Petit Palais pays tribute to Bruno Liljefors with the last chapter of its programme focusing on the illustrious Swedish trio known as “ABC ”, a combination of the initials of their first names.
Less known than his peers, Bruno Liljefors was nevertheless an important figure on the Scandinavian arts scene in the late-nineteenth century. By showing his work for the first time to the French public, the Petit Palais seeks to highlight his pictorial skill and Liljefors’ original contribution to the construction of the imaginative repertoire of Swedish nature.
This unique exhibition features an ensemble of some one hundred pieces, including paintings, drawings, and photographs from the collections of Swedish museums like the Nationalmuseum of Stockholm—partner of the exhibition—the Thiel Gallery, and Gothenburg Museum, as well as numerous private collections.
The exhibition, which is both chronological and thematic, looks at different aspects of Liljefors' art, from his sources of inspiration and influences to his highly unusual working techniques.
An astute observer, Liljefors captured real families of foxes lurking in the woods or hares darting through the snow, as well as ospreys perched at the top of maritime pines, eiders flying across the chilly waters of the archipelago, and grouse performing their nuptial parade in the forests. He worked in and from nature, using his skills as an acrobat and gymnast to climb trees. The painter used camouflage and built hiding places to observe animals without being seen himself. In his creative process, he used photography to support his compositions.
Bruno Liljefors, A Cat with a Young Bird in its Mouth, 1885. Oil on wood.
Bruno Liljefors, A Fox Family, 1886. Oil on canvas.
Bruno Liljefors, Sparrows in a Cherry Tree. One of five animal studies in one frame, 1885. Oil on wood.
Bruno Liljefors, Hawk and black game, 1884. Oil on canvas.
Bruno Liljefors, Jays, 1886. Oil on canvas.
In Liljefors’ universe, animals, plants, insects, and birds were all part of a larger whole, each with a specific role to play. At a time when the preservation of biodiversity has become a major issue, Liljefors, beyond his role as champion of Swedish nature, invites viewers to better observe the entire living world of which we are a part.
Bruno Liljefors' way of combining the often cruel reality of nature with fantastic imagery was unique. He is unrivalled in his generation. Despite this, he is something of a doldrum internationally. The exhibition at the Petit Palais, where Liljefors is presented as the third Swedish artist after Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn, will most likely change that.