After two exhibitions devoted to Swedish painters Carl Larsson (2014) and Anders Zorn (2017), Petit Palais paid tribute to Bruno Liljefors. The exhibition was the last chapter of a programme at Petit Palais that focused on the illustrious Swedish 'ABC' trio – an abbreviation based on the initials of the artists' first names.
Less well known than his peers, Bruno Liljefors was nevertheless an important figure in the Scandinavian arts scene of the late 19th century. Displaying his work to the French public for the first time, Petit Palais sought to highlight Liljefors' pictorial skill and contribution to the imaginative repertoire of Swedish nature.
The unique exhibition featured about a hundred works, including paintings, drawings, and photographs from the collections of Swedish museums like Nationalmuseum (Petit Palais' partner in the exhibition), the Thiel Gallery, and the Gothenburg Museum of Art, as well as numerous private collections.
The exhibition was both chronological and thematic. It looked at different aspects of Liljefors' art, from his influences and sources of inspiration to his highly unusual working techniques. An astute observer, Liljefors captured real-life skulks of foxes lurking in the woods, hares darting through the snow, ospreys perched atop maritime pines, eiders flying across the chilly waters of the archipelago, and grouse performing their nuptial parade in the forest. The painter worked in and from nature, using his skills as an acrobat and gymnast to climb trees. Liljefors camouflaged himself and built hideouts to observe animals without being seen himself. Photography supported 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 are all part of a larger whole, each with their own role to play. At a time when preserving biodiversity has become a major issue, Liljefors not only continues to champion Swedish nature but also us to take a closer look at the entire living world we are a part of.
Liljefors' way of combining the (often cruel) reality of nature with fantastic imagery was unique. In spite of his unrivalled talent, however, the painter remains relatively unknown internationally. The exhibition at Petit Palais has most likely changed that.