Artist: Hugo Birger
(Swedish, 1854-1887)
Chapters:
00:00 - View from the Windows of the Fürstenberg Gallery (between 1883 and 1885)
02:31 - The Murillo Gardens, Seville (1882)
05:01 - Farm Interior from the South of Spain
07:31 - Rue Gabrielle, Paris (1879)
10:01 - A Gipsy (1882)
12:31 - Portrait of the Artist’s Wife and Sister-in-Law
15:01 - The Refugees (1884)
17:31 - The Scandinavian Artists’ Lunch at Café Ledoyen, Paris; Varnishing Day 1886 (1886)
20:01 - The Scandinavian Artists’ Lunch at Café Ledoyen, Paris; Varnishing Day 1886 (1886)
22:31 - Lunch during La Feria in Granada. Sketch (1882)
25:01 - Outside a Restaurant in the Bois de Boulogne
27:31 - Sitting under the Arbour (1880)
About Artist:
Hugo Birger (1854-1887) was a prominent Swedish painter, known for his vibrant and dynamic depictions of contemporary life, particularly scenes from Spain and Paris. Although his career was tragically short, Birger managed to create a significant body of work that continues to be celebrated for its lively brushwork and vivid color palette.
One of his well-known works, The Scandinavian Artists’ Lunch at Café Ledoyen, Paris; Varnishing Day 1886 (1886), captures a lively gathering of artists at a famous Parisian café. This painting not only reflects the camaraderie among Scandinavian artists in Paris but also highlights Birger’s ability to portray group scenes with a sense of spontaneity and movement. The figures are animated, and the light is rendered with a vibrant energy that makes the scene feel both intimate and lively.
Another notable painting, The Murillo Gardens, Seville (1882), showcases Birger’s fascination with Spain. This work captures the lush, sun-drenched beauty of the gardens in Seville, with Birger’s brushstrokes conveying the warmth and vibrancy of the Spanish landscape. His ability to capture the essence of a place, coupled with his keen observation of light and color, made him a sought-after artist during his time.
Birger also painted more intimate scenes, such as Portrait of the Artist’s Wife and Sister-in-Law, which showcases his talent for portraiture and his sensitivity to the subtleties of human expression and interaction. The figures are rendered with a softness and grace that contrasts with the more energetic compositions of his larger works.
Despite his early death at the age of 33, Hugo Birger left behind a legacy of works that continue to be admired for their vitality and artistic skill. His paintings offer a glimpse into the social and cultural life of his time, capturing moments of leisure, celebration, and everyday life with a masterful touch.