Hans Ekegårdh

Hans Ekegårdh was married to the French painter and illustrator Marguerite Lemaire, called Ghy-Lemm (1888-1962). He first studied music at the Stockholm Conservatory for six years. In 1901-06 he continued his studies at the conservatory in Paris. He was employed by an orchestra and quickly rose to the position of first violinist. In 1902, influenced by French art, he started painting in addition to his work as a violinist.

Ekegårdh exhibited at the Salon d’automne, the Salon des Tuileries, and the Salon des indépendants in Paris beginning in 1908. He made the acquaintance of Henri Matisse (1869-1954), who gave him artistic advice and let him work in his studio in 1909. However, Ekegårdh did not become his student but attended the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. He painted Impressionist figure paintings, (flower) still lifes, and city views of Paris, as well as nudes. Particularly, his landscape paintings revealed him to be a follower of the Impressionists. He lived alternately in Paris and Sweden.