Lotten von Gegerfelt, born Charlotte von Gegerfelt on March 26, 1846, in Gothenburg, Sweden, was a prominent Swedish landscape painter whose work gained significant recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She hailed from an artistic family; her father, Frederik von Gegerfelt, was also a painter, and this environment nurtured her talents from a young age. Lotten and her brother, Wilhelm von Gegerfelt, who became a noted marine painter, both contributed to the vibrant artistic legacy of their family.
Lotten von Gegerfelt's artistic journey was marked by extensive travel throughout Europe, which significantly influenced her work. She studied art in Düsseldorf, Germany, a hub for Scandinavian artists in the 19th century, where she was exposed to the Düsseldorf school of painting, known for its detailed landscapes and emphasis on atmospheric effects. Later, she continued her studies in Paris, France, under the tutelage of the renowned landscape painter Léon Germain Pelouse. Paris, being the epicenter of the art world at the time, provided her with exposure to the latest artistic trends and techniques, including elements of Impressionism, which subtly influenced her work.
Throughout her career, Lotten von Gegerfelt exhibited a profound connection to nature, which was the main subject of her paintings. Her landscapes, characterized by serene beauty, detailed textures, and subtle color variations, captured the essence of the Scandinavian and European countryside. She successfully exhibited her works in various prestigious venues, including the Paris Salon and the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, where her unique perspective on landscape art was internationally recognized.
Despite her success, Lotten von Gegerfelt remained relatively unknown outside of Sweden and certain art circles in Europe. Nevertheless, her contributions to Swedish art have been reevaluated in recent years, highlighting her role as one of the pioneering female landscape painters of her time. Her works are now considered important in the study of 19th-century European landscape painting, offering insights into the transition from traditional to more impressionistic approaches.
Lotten von Gegerfelt passed away on November 13, 1920, in Gothenburg, leaving behind a legacy of tranquil and evocative landscapes that continue to be appreciated for their artistic merit and historical significance. Her dedication to capturing the natural beauty of the world around her serves as a testament to her passion for art and her mastery of landscape painting.