The Life and Art of Benjamin Patersen
Born in Varberg to a family of customs clerks, Benjamin Patersen was a Swedish-born Russian painter and engraver. After studying art in Gothenburg under Simon Fick, he became a member of the Local Art Society. His early travels took him through Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, including a period from 1774 to 1786 where he resided and worked in Riga. In 1787, he moved to St. Petersburg, eventually marrying in 1791 and baptizing his daughter in 1795. Patersen maintained a connection to Sweden throughout his life, visiting the country in 1806 and being named a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in 1798.
Cityscapes and Imperial Commissions
While he began his career as a portraitist, Patersen shifted his focus to cityscapes at the age of 38. Following his move to St. Petersburg, he devoted his art to the city, creating a series of works depicting the banks of the Neva on commission by Tsar Paul I. This work led to his appointment as a court painter. His cityscapes often feature a defined horizon line, with the sky and the waters of the Neva playing significant roles in the composition.
Patersen’s body of work includes over 100 cityscapes of Petersburg, consisting of:
- 33 oil paintings
- Watercolours
- Tinted engravings
His depictions include prominent late XVIII century buildings such as the St. Michael's Castle, the Imperial Academy of Arts, and the Tauride Palace. Many of his works are currently held by the Hermitage.
Questions & Answers
How did Benjamin Patersen's art evolve over time?
The Chronicle of Benjamin Patersen is a scroll-driven timeline that presents the artist's works in chronological order, grouped into career-period chapters.
How do I find works by Benjamin Patersen on a specific theme?
The By Keywords page of Benjamin Patersen groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.
Where are Benjamin Patersen's artworks grouped by palette?
The By Palettes page groups Benjamin Patersen's artworks by their color palettes.
What moods do Benjamin Patersen's artworks express?
The artist's Mood Room page shows Benjamin Patersen's artworks arranged by their atmosphere.
