Midsummer Magic – Nordic Impressionists of the late 19th century – Brian Healey

Cloaked for months of the year in snow or mist, it is only in summer that the more benign character of Norway, Denmark and Sweden is revealed, providing the inspiration behind the ravishing paintings of artists such as Kitty Kieland, Anders Zorn, Elif Petersson and Peder Krøyer to name just a few. Often working in small communes, such as at the north Danish coastal village of Skagen these artists adapted the style of impressionism to the limpid light of the Nordic climate, a light which is hauntingly beautiful in the long hours of summer and especially at twilight. Midnight bonfires, moonlit promenades and the midsummer dance are all favourite subjects of these artists who depicted a world of summer stillness and tradition just as it was about to be shattered by the firestorm of World War I.