Göran Persson (b. 1949), prime minister, chairman of Socialdemokratiska Arbetarepartiet, married to 1. Gunnel Claesson, 2. political secretary Annika Barthine, 3. political official and CEO of Systembolaget AB Anitra Steen

Olle Hamngren (1960 - )

Artist/Maker

Artist: Olle Hamngren (1960 - )

DatesMade: Made 2017

Material / Technique

Oil on canvas

Dimensionsh x w: Mått 100 x 80 cm h x w x d: Ram 118 x 97 x 4 cm

Inventory numberNMGrh 5148

AcqusitionDonated 2017 by fund of Gripsholmsföreningen (Axel Hirsch Fund)

Other titlesTitle (sv): Göran Persson (f. 1949), statsminister, ordförande för Socialdemokratiska Arbetarepartiet, g.m. 1. Gunnel Claesson, 2. politiska sekreteraren Annika Barthine, 3. politiska tjänstemannen och VD:n för Systembolaget AB Anitra Steen Title (en): Göran Persson (b. 1949), prime minister, chairman of Socialdemokratiska Arbetarepartiet, married to 1. Gunnel Claesson, 2. political secretary Annika Barthine, 3. political official and CEO of Systembolaget AB Anitra Steen Label (sv): Göran Persson ( född 1949), statsminister, ordförande för Socialdemokratiska Arbetarepartiet, 2017 Label (en): Göran Persson (b. &(&(), Prime Minister and Chair of the Swedish Social Democratic Party, 2017

DescriptionDescription: By subtle use of various attributes, such as the sculpture of two blacksmiths or a bookend in the shape of a kneeling Dalecarlian horse, the artist shows that this is a Swedish statesman and Social Democrat. Anyone who does not recognise him can read his name on the spine of a book, which also tells us his age: 68. Göran Persson regards us with a serious gaze, as if we have surprised him in the middle of an exciting read. The image is both simple and dignified.

Depicted Person

Göran Persson (1949 - )

Collection

Paintings (Paintings)

MaterialOil paint, Duk

Object category

painting

Additional texteDescription: The artist Olle Hamngren once said, “Many people think that a face is the hardest thing to paint. But it isn’t. Instead, it’s the spaces where not much is going on, like a resting hand, that are infinitely harder to bring to life.” In this portrait of Göran Persson, the artist has worked as much on the leather upholstery of the Mats Theselius chair as on the arched brow of the sitter. With subtle use of attributes, such as the sculpture of smiths, or the red book and the Dala horse, the artist shows us that this is a Swedish Social Democratic politician. For viewers who do not recognise the model, his name can be read on the spine of a book, that also states his age: 68. Göran Persson looks back at us seriously, as though we had surprised him in the midst of reading something thrilling. The portrayal is simple, yet dignified. Olle Hamngren is singularly skilful in balancing the seemingly lofty with the trivial.