Emily Nonnen - Double Portrait Of The Nonnen Sisters

Bring timeless elegance to your space with this exquisite 19th-century oil portrait of the renowned Swedish artist Emily Nonnen and her sister Ann. A rare and intimate antique oil painting, this circa 1840 piece reflects Biedermeier portrait traditions and offers a unique glimpse into Scandinavian female artistry of the mid-1800s. This exceptional 19th century portrait showcases the refined technique characteristic of 19th century antique masterpieces, with Ann's hand gently resting on Emily's shoulder, symbolizing sisterly affection and strength. A small open book suggests education, intellect, or shared storytelling.

This unsigned oil painting has remained in very good condition as a true 19th century antique. The original gilded frame from the period shows signals of past restorations and repaints, adding to its authentic historical character. A handwritten note in Swedish on the canvas frame indicates that this antique oil masterpiece was dedicated to Elin Sinclair and painted by Emily Nonnen herself.

Emily Nonnen (1812–1906) was a Swedish-British artist, author, and translator who created this remarkable 19th century portrait. She was born in London and moved with her family to Gothenburg in 1819, where her father worked in the city's largest enterprise, a sugar factory and brewery. Alongside her siblings, she received a rigorous home education, studying languages, music, mathematics, Latin, and painting.

After a financial crisis in 1833, Emily and her sisters transformed the garden of their Liseberg home into a horticultural business and began educating young girls at home. In 1838, she traveled to Copenhagen to refine her artistic skills under prominent Danish painters, which led to a successful career as a portraitist specializing in oil painting. She was admitted to the Gothenburg Handicrafts Society (Slöjdföreningen) in 1842 and connected with cultural figures in Stockholm and Uppsala.

In addition to painting, Emily wrote and translated literature between Swedish and English, including works by Tegnér, Runeberg, Fredrika Bremer, and Florence Nightingale. She was the first to introduce "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" to Swedish readers through her 1870 translation. She also published eight books for young readers between 1858 and 1879 and founded a children's magazine. Emily Nonnen led an active and cultured life devoted to art, teaching, and literature. She passed away in Gothenburg.

Ann (Annie, Nanny) Nonnen, born in 1815 in London and died in 1867 in Gothenburg, was also a Swedish artist like her sister Emily and the subject of this beautiful 19th century antique portrait. She received her artistic training from her mother. During the 1860s, Ann had the opportunity to study watercolour painting with William Riviere in London and participated twice in exhibitions at the Royal Academy in London. Back in Sweden, she produced two genre paintings, which were sent to London, but the ship sank and with it Nanny's paintings. Her works consist of watercolours and topographical drawings of Gothenburg and Great Britain, as well as portraits of family members and people from her circle of friends. She had been ill for a long time and, in the hope that her health would improve, a friend paid for her to travel to Switzerland, but she never made the trip and died in Liseberg in 1867.

This exceptional antique oil painting represents not just a beautiful 19th century portrait, but a piece of Swedish cultural heritage that captures the artistic legacy of the remarkable Nonnen sisters.

Artist: Emily Nonnen (1812-1905).
Unsigned.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions: 50 x 56 cm. / 19 ¾ x 22 in.
Frame: 63 x 69 cm. / 24 ¾ x 27 in. Gilt wood, very good condition.