Mathilde Wigert

1873-1943.

Artist.

Mathilde Wigert studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts 1896-1902 and studied in Paris 1903-1904. During her studies she met her husband, the artist Johan Österlund, and the couple moved to Uppsala in 1908.

Wigert early paintings were characterized by national romantic moods and later became more expressive and emotional. One group of motifs that increasingly characterized her later art was the church interiors, which were characterized by emotional tension.

Wigert painted, among other things, a suite of tombstones in Uppsala Cathedral, interiors from Rasbo Church and church interiors from Bro on Gotland.

Over the years, Mathilde Wigert suffered from serious mental health problems and was periodically hospitalized at Ulleråker Hospital. She also published books and became involved in improving the conditions of the mentally ill.

Mathilde Wigert at the easel. John Österlund and Lilly Wigert at the parasol. The picture was taken around 1905, Vaxholm. Photo: Unknown photographer / UUB. Provenance: Christina Backman.

Female students at the Academy of Fine Arts 1897-1898. Mathilde is seen standing on her knees at the front. The others in the photograph are T. Wrede, S. Sonntag, Eva Befve, K. Hult, G. Palm, Kjellberg and L. Lindberg. In the background a male artist model. Photo: Unknown photographer / UUB. Provenance: Christina Backman.

 

Burial site: 0113-0742

Image description: Mathilde Wigert at her easel ca 1900. Photo: Unknown photographer / UUB. Provenance: Christina Backman. [The image is cropped]
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