Josephson, Ernst

Josephson, Ernst 

Born Apr. 16, 1851, in Stockholm; died there Nov. 22, 1906. Swedish painter and graphic artist.

Josephson studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm from 1867 to 1876. His travels as a student included trips to Norway, Germany, and France. He lived mainly in Paris from 1879 to 1886.

Josephson’s early works were influenced by impressionism and were primarily portraits, such as Portrait of the Journalist G. Renholm (1879). He subsequently produced romantic works in a national spirit that were close to symbolism, such as Näck (1882, National Museum, Stockholm). In 1888, Josephson fell ill with a serious mental disorder. His illness was reflected in his late paintings and drawings, which were grotesque fantastical compositions anticipating expressionism.

Josephson also wrote poetry.

REFERENCE

Blomberg, E. E. Josephsons konst. Stockholm, 1959.