Born in 1862 in Stockholm, Eugène Jansson initially gained recognition for his striking blue nighttime landscapes. These landscapes brought him huge success and acclaim, but Jansson eventually sought a new direction. In a pivotal shift, Jansson’s encounter with his lover, Knut Nyman, at the Navy Bath-house in Stockholm became the catalyst for his artistic transformation. What started as a successful career in landscape painting transitioned into a profound exploration of male intimacy and relationships. Inspired by his love for men and his passion for painting, Jansson’s later works took on a new direction, depicting scenes from the Naval bath-house and nude athletes. Tragically, Eugène Jansson’s life was cut short in 1915. However his homoerotic art continues to captivate audiences, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of identity, desire, and human relationships. Jansson’s transformative journey stands as a testament to the power of art to challenge conventions and create a lasting impact on the world of art and beyond. – Eugène Jansson
I love this post! Jansson’s representation of the male body is a bit too willowy for my taste, but I love looking at painted male nudes because I can feel the bodies in the paint strokes and color that give them life. The photo collage commentary is brilliant.