Fanny Brate: An Everyday Painter You Need to Know

Artist in the Making

She studied at an all-girls school between 1868 and 1877. While studying, she was taking part-time painting classes at the Arts and Crafts School. Later on, she became a full-time student there until she began painting under the supervision of master Malmström at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts. In 1885, she received recognition when she was awarded a Royal Medal for her painting Art Friends.

Her Style

In 1887, she went to Paris and studied for a term at an art school founded by the Italian sculptor Filippo Colarossi. A travel scholarship from the Royal Academy also helped her to attend. During her time in Paris, she visited many Impressionist exhibitions. Her later paintings show a direct influence on her time spent abroad. She continued to make study trips throughout Europe, including a visit to the Universal Exposition in 1889.

Her Legacy

Although she painted many scenes featuring children in daily, outdoor activities, Fanny Brate became best known for her domestic interiors. For example, A Day of Celebration is her most widely recognized work and has been reproduced many times. It is on display at the National Museum in Stockholm, it depicts preparations for a name’s day party in a large room at the Brate family’s estate. The painting, like many others, is bathed in sunlight. It reflects an idealized view of life, both in the countryside and at home.