Johan Axel Gustaf ( J.A.G.) Acke

Biography

Johan Axel Gustaf Acke, usually called J.A.G. Acke, originally Andersson, was accepted into the Academy of Fine Arts at the age of fourteen. He continued his education there until 1882. He then studied for a time at Edvard Perséus' painting school. From 1881 to 1884, Acke traveled around Europe to study, spending time in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. He was involved in the opposition movement and became a member of the Artists' Association in 1886, participating in all of its exhibitions both in Sweden and abroad. From 1886 to 1895, he was a member of the Önningeby artist colony on Åland. Acke's artistic oeuvre is multifaceted, spanning from impressionistic outdoor painting to a free and poetic symbolism. A prime example of this approach is The Forest Temple (1901), widely regarded as the most notable symbolist work in Sweden. He also designed Art Nouveau furniture and was the architect for both his winter and summer residences, Villa Akleja and Villa Torsvi. The Thiel collections have ten works by Acke, including the stucco relief The Line of Limitations.

Wife: Eva Topelius Acke (1855 - 1929)