Axel David Ericson (Swedish/American, 1870-1946). Oil on canvas painting depicting Lake Minnetonka.

Provenance: Leger Galleries, New York; Private Minnesota Collection.

Axel David Ericson, born in Sweden in 1870, became one of Duluth, Minnesota's most significant painters after immigrating there at a young age. Despite being self-taught, he gained recognition early in his career, winning a prize at the Minnesota State Fair in 1885 and studying at the Art Students League in New York City. Ericson's travels to Paris and study with James McNeill Whistler enriched his artistic style, which evolved from rustic farm scenes to sensitive figure painting and vibrant depictions of foreign landscapes. His work, characterized by its bucolic charm and French Impressionist influence, is represented in notable collections across Minnesota and beyond, solidifying his importance to the state's artistic heritage.
Height: 13 1/4 in x width: 16 1/4 in. Framed; height: 18 1/2 in x width: 21 1/2 in x depth: 2 1/4 in. The colors are bold and bright and the surface is stable. There is some slight discoloration to the varnish throughout, most notable in the sky and white clouds. A few light spots of craquelure. Verso not inspected; not inspected out of frame. Light wear to the frame.