Vintriga akrar 1935

Sven Olof Alfred Rosen made this print, Vintriga akrar, in 1935. The limited palette and the etched lines create a stark, wintry scene. It’s like he’s using the landscape to explore the art-making process itself. Rosen’s mark-making is the star here. Look at the textures he coaxes from the simple lines. The furrows in the field have a palpable weight, and the delicate lines of the bare trees in the background create a sense of depth. The way he uses the line feels raw and immediate, as though you can see the artist thinking through the image as he works. Then notice that darker patch just to the right of center, where it looks like a horse and a single fir tree are lurking. The scene reminds me of Edvard Munch’s prints. Both artists share a similar sensibility, turning to the landscape to evoke mood and emotional states. Ultimately, this is the beauty of art; it’s a space for ongoing conversation and exploration.