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Lea Frederika Ahlborn - schwedische Graveurin
Lea Ahlborn

Lea Fredrika Ahlborn (born Lundgren) (18 February 1826 – 13 November 1897) was a famous Swedish artist. She was known for making medals. Lea Ahlborn was a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. She was also the first woman to become a royal printmaker. This job was considered a public office. This made her the first female official or civil servant in Sweden.

Sweden's Horse Award Silver Medal, reverse
Sweden's Horse Award Silver Medal, engraved by Lea Ahlborn

Biography

Lea Ahlborn was born into a family of artists. Her father, Ludwig Peterssen Lundgren (1789–1853), was an engraver and medalist. Her mother, Rebecca Johanna Salmson (1797–1861), was also an artist. Lea's grandfather, Salm Salmson, was a sculptor. Her uncle, Johan Salmson, designed medals too.

Lea decided early on to follow her father's path. In 1849, she got special permission to study art. This was at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. At that time, the Academy was not officially open to women. But Lea and three other women were allowed to study there. These women were Amalia Lindegren, Jeanette Möller, and Agnes Börjesson.

In 1851, Lea traveled to Paris to study more. She went with her teacher, Carl Gustaf Qvarnström. Her brother, Pehr Henrik Lundgren, also joined them. In Paris, she trained with famous sculptors. These included Armand Toussaint and Jean-Auguste Barre. She also learned from her uncle, Johan Salmson.

Lea returned to Sweden in 1853. Her father passed away that same year. She temporarily took over his job as royal printmaker. She was waiting for her brother to return from Paris. He was supposed to take over the position. However, her brother also died while in Paris. So, in 1855, Lea Ahlborn was officially appointed royal printmaker. She also became a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts.

Lea always kept up with new techniques in her work. She received important assignments from many groups. These included the Swedish Academy and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. She also worked for the Royal Swedish Pro Patria Society. Even Empress Eugenie of France hired her for projects.

In 1881, she created medal portraits. These were for the wedding of the future King Gustav V and Queen Victoria. In 1883, the United States government hired her. She made a medal of George Washington. This was to celebrate 100 years since the end of the American War of Independence. In 1892, she made another medal for the U.S. This one celebrated Christopher Columbus's discovery of America.

Lea's sister, Carolina Weidenhayn, was also an artist. She became the first professional female xylographer. This means she made wood engravings. Carolina studied in Paris from 1858 to 1867. Later, she became a teacher. She taught at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, Sweden.

Personal life

Lea Ahlborn married Karl Henrik Fredrik Martin Ahlborn. He was a sculptor from Germany. They had several children together. One of their sons was Carl Gustaf Ahlborn. He became a commander in the military. Lea was also a member of a women's group called Nya Idun.

In 1892, King Oscar II of Sweden gave her a special award. It was called the Illis Quorum medal. This award recognized her great achievements. Lea retired from her work on May 28, 1897.

Gallery

Other sources

  • Österberg, Carin et al. (1990) Svenska kvinnor: föregångare, nyskapare (Swedish women: Predecessors, pioneers) (Lund: Signum) ISBN: 91-87896-03-6 (Swedish)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lea Ahlborn para niños

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