Fredric Westin | |
|---|---|
 Fredric Westin, from theSvenskt Porträttgalleri XX (1901); artist not credited. (Self-portrait?) | |
| Born | (1782-05-13)May 13, 1782 Stockholm, Sweden |
| Died | May 13, 1862(1862-05-13) (aged 79) Stockholm, Sweden |
Fredric Westin (22 September 1782 – 13 May 1862) was a Swedish history and portrait painter.
He studied withLorens Pasch the Younger andLouis Masreliez at theRoyal Swedish Academy of Arts.[1] In 1808, he became an "Agré" (a type of junior associate) at the Academy. Four years later, he was appointed a Director at theNationalmuseum and joined the board of directors at the Academy. In 1815, he became a Vice-Professor and, the following year, a full Professor. He served as Director there from 1828 to 1840 and, in 1843, was appointed a "Hovintendent" (a largely honorary position) at theRoyal Court.[1]
After 1812, many of his works were done for the Royal Families, including door panels for the bedchamber of Crown Prince (later King)Charles atRosersberg Palace, a mural of the Four Seasons atSävstaholm Castle, andHebe with her fatherZeus in the form of an eagle atRosendal Palace.[2]
He was very popular as a portrait painter during the reign of Charles XIV, but was not universally appreciated. The well known author and art criticLorenzo Hammarsköld felt that he had no talent. Many years later,Fredrik Wilhelm Scholander said that his portraits looked like wax figures.[3]
Despite the criticism, he was commissioned to do many portraits of theBernadottes. In 1824, he created a popular allegorical painting of Crown PrincessJosephine returning to Sweden, borne in the clouds bycupids.[2] His 1838 equestrian painting of the King is also very well known.[3]
In 1828, afterJohan Gustaf Sandberg failed to produce an altarpiece commissioned forSaint James's Church, the project was given to Westin, who completed it with atransfiguration of Christ.[3] Over the next decade, he produced several other altarpieces on themes from theGospels atKungsholms Church,Turku Cathedral, Uddevalla Church and Carl Gustafs Church.[1]
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