Description:

signed and dated: Sergell f. Strömsnäs 1(or 2)9 September 1795.
pen and grey wash on watermarked paper laid on thin greaseproof paper
208 x 338 mm

Note:

Strömsnäs is a relatively common topographical name in Sweden, implying a piece of land located by water, usually running water such as a river. The present recently discovered drawing depicts Strömsnäs in the Parish of Simtuna situated by the Sag river (Sagån) north of Lake Mälaren between Västerås and Enköping some 120 km west of Stockholm. At the time of Sergel’s visit, the property belonged to countess Eleonora Lovisa Antoinetta Dohna (1772-1817) married to Privy Councillor count Fredrik Wilhelm Ridderstolpe (1730-1816). The earliest known map of Strömsnäs was drawn in 1666. Eleonora Lovisa Antoinetta Dohna was also the owner of Tidö Castle situated outside Västerås. In 1779 Sergel portrayed her in profile in a plaster medallion. Ridderstolpe was the brother of Privy Councillor Carl Ridderstolpe (1719-1785), the owner of Fiholm castle in the county of Västmanland. In 1786 Sergel carved a posthumous portrait bust of Carl Ridderstolpe, presumably commissioned by his brother Fredrik Wilhelm. Sergel visited Tidö Castle in late August to early September 1795. A drawing dated by him 1 September depicts a festivity in the park at Tidö in which he has pictured himself amongst the guests.

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