The Stockholm Synagogue stands as a prominent example of the work produced by Fredrik Wilhelm Scholander, a Swedish polymath who balanced his career between architecture, painting, and writing. Active during the nineteenth century, he navigated the shifting demands of his discipline while exerting influence through his long tenure at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts.
Formative Years and Education
Born in 1816 within the Maria Magdalena parish, Scholander entered the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in 1831. His professional trajectory took him abroad in 1841, leading to a residency in Paris where he studied under Louis-Hippolyte Lebas at the École des Beaux-Arts. His travels also extended to Rome, providing him with a broad exposure to European architectural traditions that preceded his return to Sweden.
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Scholander became a vice-professor at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in 1847 and advanced to a full professorship by 1848. His influence over the Swedish architectural landscape was magnified by the students he trained, a group that included Helgo Zettervall and Isak Gustaf Clason. Beyond teaching, he served the institution in various administrative capacities, including director from 1851 to 1853, treasurer until 1866, and secretary from 1868 until his death.
Architectural Contributions
His portfolio spanned public and institutional buildings across Sweden. Beyond the Stockholm Synagogue, his key projects included the Katedralskolan in Uppsala, the County Museum in Växjö, and the Stadshotellet in Mariestad. He also designed the former KTH Royal Institute of Technology building on Drottninggatan in Stockholm and the Bernadotte burial chapel at Riddarholmen Church. His technical expertise was further applied to interior projects at both Drottningholm Palace and the Stockholm Palace.
Honors and Final Years
Throughout his career, Scholander maintained memberships with the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts and the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities. In 1870, he received the Litteris et Artibus award. He died in 1881 within the Klara Church Parish and was subsequently interred at the Norra begravningsplatsen in Solna.
Fast facts
- Born: 1816, Maria Magdalena parish
- Died: 1881, Klara Church Parish
- Education: Beaux-Arts de Paris
- Notable Award: Litteris et Artibus (1870)
- Professional Roles: Architect, painter, writer, poet
- Notable Works: Stockholm Synagogue, Katedralskolan
- Burial Site: Norra begravningsplatsen, Solna
Questions readers ask
Where did Fredrik Wilhelm Scholander receive his architectural training?
He studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts starting in 1831 and later attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Louis-Hippolyte Lebas.
Which major Swedish buildings were designed by Scholander?
His notable works include the Stockholm Synagogue, the County Museum in Växjö, the Katedralskolan in Uppsala, and the former KTH Royal Institute of Technology building.
Achievements
- Notable work: Stockholm Synagogue
- Litteris et Artibus
- Trained at Beaux-Arts de Paris
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