Axel Törneman (1880–1925) was a pioneer in modern Swedish art history, mostly noted for his monumental frescos in the Stockholm City Hall and the Swedish parliament building. Intense and headstrong, he pursued his own path, consciously choosing not to belong to any contemporary artistic group.

This is the first biography of Axel Törneman. It includes all his bestknown works alongside a large number of easel paintings and drawings. With previously unpublished material such as photographs and drawings, the book paints the picture of an artist who constantly sought new motifs as well as techniques, and who despite a short and at times quite dramatic life was one of the most significant artists at the dawn of modernism in Sweden.

Anita Theorell holds a PhD in Art History and is the author of several books on cultural history. She has done research on Axel Törneman since the 1960s.

Bengt Wanselius is a photographer and picture editor who has received acclaim for several of his photography books.

Translation: Anna Wohl