Richard Bergh (1858–1919) was a prominent Swedish painter and a leading figure in Swedish art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Stockholm, Bergh initially studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts before traveling to France, where he was influenced by contemporary trends in European art, including Naturalism and Symbolism.

Bergh became well-known for his portraiture and landscape paintings, often blending realism with symbolic elements. One of his most famous works is *Nordic Summer Evening* (1899-1900), which captures the mystical light of the Scandinavian summer and evokes a deeply emotional atmosphere. His portraits, including depictions of notable cultural figures like August Strindberg and Selma Lagerlöf, are characterized by their psychological depth and attention to character.

In addition to his work as a painter, Bergh was a key advocate for the arts in Sweden. He served as the director of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and was instrumental in the establishment of the Swedish Artists' Association. His contributions to the development of Swedish art went beyond his canvases, as he worked to promote artistic expression and bring new ideas to the Swedish art scene.

Bergh’s work often reflected his interest in human emotion and the connection between individuals and nature, which became central themes in his oeuvre. His ability to convey both physical likeness and emotional complexity in his portraits, alongside his ethereal landscapes, made him one of Sweden’s most important painters of his time.