catalog text
"A BOY FRIGHTENING A YOUNG GIRL WITH A CAGED MOUSE" BY JACOB JOHAN SILVEN (SWEDISH, 1851-1924)
Signed "Silven 1874" lower right
Item # 130104XLM21
This is an incredibly fine work of utmost precision and care, a painted scene in oil on canvas of a boy frightening a young girl with a caged mouse. This nostalgic portrayal of rural countryside life worked to satisfy a market demand for scenes of a simpler and less industrialized life. During a time of great social and economic change, precious scenes of youth and the joy of play resonated deeply with the collectors of the day. Interestingly, the present work is particularly successful as it is set against an impoverished backdrop, in many ways revolting against the presumption that wealth and material success is the source of joy and happiness - painstakingly captured in brush, this pair of youth engage in the simplest and least expensive entertainment, that of the nature around them.
A technical work, the precision Silven brings to the canvas is above reproach. Each element of his imagination, his chosen colors in the backdrop, muted khakis and olive greens, the earthy tones of their garments and the subtle use of shadows to eliminate distraction from the figures, all work together harmoniously to compose a very fine work of utmost quality.
This is a professionally restored and very fine work of art you will cherish for a lifetime - exceptional in every way, it captures the best of 19th Century nostalgia. Signed by Silvén lower right and dated 1874, it is a precious piece for serious collectors of antique art. Works by Silvén rarely come to the open market, even less frequently on this side of the water - a Silven painting was offered by Sotheby's in 2007, achieving $48,000. Two Silvén paintings were offered by Stockholms Auktionsverket, achieving $13,151 and $9,250.
Measurements: [frame] 21 1/4" wide x 24 3/8" high [stretcher bars] 14 3/8" wide x 17 1/8" high
Condition Report:
Professionally restored, resulting in some inpainting of chip areas [middle quadrant: dress, cage area; also scattered tiny spots of inpainting]. Frame has the gilt loss, chips, dings and abrasions to be expected with an unrestored antique frame.