Ellen Trotzig came from Simrishamn in south-east Skåne and her work is strongly associated with the landscape of Österlen. In this self-portrait, Trotzig is 28 years old and has studied in Copenhagen and at the Valand School of Fine Art in Gothenburg, and is about to continue her education in Paris. The portrait exudes self-confidence and strength. Trotzig’s production comprises several portraits of introvert and reserved women, which are reminiscent of the works of her teacher at Valand, Carl Wilhelmson. The hills and sea of Österlen appear serious, elevated and grandiose in her depictions, rather than idyllic or provisional. Trotzig suffered from a sense of inadequacy. “A creative artist can probably never be happy, because what is creating if not a daily mutilation of one’s sense of beauty?” The self-portrait is the only work by Trotzig in the Gothenburg Museum of Art Collections. It is one of five oil paintings by women artists acquired in 1900-1910.
Philippa Nanfeldt 2011
