Midsummer Night at Riddarholmen 1915

Eugène Jansson created this painting of Riddarholmen using oil on canvas. The flat expanse of color evokes a sense of stillness. Jansson's thick application of paint is central to the work. It is clear that the canvas was built up layer by layer, with each stroke adding texture and depth. Look closely and you can see how the brushstrokes give the water movement, despite its calm appearance. The intense darkness of the foreground contrasts with the light of the sky, and imbues the painting with a mysterious quality. This dramatic contrast is achieved through the layering of oil paint. Jansson captures a moment in time. By emphasizing the materiality and process behind the painting, we can gain a deeper understanding of the techniques involved and of the artist’s perspective. In this way, he asks us to see the labor involved in producing the image.