Eugène Jansson

Biography

Eugène Jansson was born and raised in Gamla Stan. He began his studies at the Technical School in 1878 and continued until 1881. Following this period, he pursued studies at the Academy of Fine Arts. When the Artists' Association was established, Jansson became a member immediately. However, unlike his colleagues, he rarely traveled abroad, remaining in Stockholm his entire life. At the turn of the 20th century, he achieved success, which enabled him to travel to both France and Italy. Jansson's artistic style can be categorized into two distinct phases. He gained recognition for his monumental depictions of Stockholm at twilight, rendered in a shade of blue so vivid that he earned the moniker "the Blue Painter". These paintings frequently depict street scenes, executed with broad, sweeping brushstrokes that evoke the style of Edvard Munch. At the beginning of the 20th century, Jansson shifted his focus to figure studies, primarily depicting sailors and naked male athletes sunbathing or performing gymnastic exercises. In this later phase, Jansson's work was strongly influenced by Gustav Vigeland's sculptures. The Thiel Gallery has Sweden's largest collection of art by Jansson, with 20 works.

Brother: Adrian E. Jansson (1871)