Malte Sterner

Drypoint etching is a form of intaglio printmaking that is frequently used to createhighly detailed representational imagery. Intaglio printmaking imvolves makingdesigns by cutting into soft metals like copper; these cuts ensure that when ink isapplied to the design and subsequently cleaned off, the ink stays in the incisions,effectively forming the image. In 1928, a young Swedish artist named MalteSterner traveled to North America, eventually settling in Vancouver and becomingwell-known as a drypoint artist.

Carl Anton Malte Sterner was born on March 20,1903 in Karlsborg, Västergötland,Sweden. His parents were Carl Anton Sterner and Anna Mathilda Sterner. Hestudied at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm (Kungliga konsthögskolan).Admitted to the institute at the age of 16, Sterner studied under Professor AxelTallberg, who specialized in etching. Many renowned Swedish etchers trainedunder Professor Tallberg.

When Sterner first arrived in North America, he settled in Montreal. Variousnewspaper articles and advertisements indicated that Sterner was active in sellinghis art. Sterner’s “modus operandi” involved travelling to major cities acrossCanada and United States to showcase his art and ideally sell his prints. Numerousfavourable newspaper articles were published about Sterner during his visits tothese cities, including his trips to Calgary in 1948, Seattle in 1950, Spokane in1951, San Francisco in 1951 and Saskatoon in 1952. His presentations featureddetailed representational imagery, such as “ The Lions of Vancouver”, ChateauFrontenac, Quebec, and cityscapes from European locations. However, his artextended beyond iconic landscapes and cityscapes; he also created prints depictinganimals, people and nature. Some popular examples of his prints included the“Lions” of Vancouver, the “Syskon” (siblings) and prints of animals, especiallydogs. Sterner gained further recognition when his prints were displayed in theNational Gallery in Ottawa, Laval and Montreal, according to the Calgary Herald.

On June 1, 1952, Malte Sterner, aged 49, suffered a heart attack and did notsurvive. According to the death certificate, Sterner had cardiovascular disease.Although he passed away at a relatively young age, his prints are still available.

By Stig Lyren