The Collection of an Auction Assistant

In a yellowed old newspaper clipping, there he is, Iwan Dahlin, squeezed between Stockholm's Auction House's then-chief Börje Engberg and a rather curious ceramic camel. Dahlin, an old-timer with the title of auction assistant, observes his boss as he professionally examines an item of unknown origin. It's a snapshot of a life that we can now, almost fifty years later, follow behind the scenes. Behind the lighted doors and curtains to a collection that actually surpasses most. From the ceiling, an Italian chandelier with lush grape clusters descends, on the walls hang old paintings and copper engravings closely. Still life, portraits of various pompous figures, some of them immortalized by skillful engravers. A vibrant pink sunset, then wall sconces in German Empire style. Imagine them with Christmas candles in the brightest red wax. On the floor, a couple of semi-antique Keshan rugs, a fine small figurative piece, and as expected, a rococo display cabinet. On one table, a large bronze by Georges Gardet. On another, an Austrian table clock with an exquisite clockwork and a crowned eagle with an impressive wingspan.

In a substantial auction with over 180 lots, there's also a little gem of a painting by Eugène Jansson, a cast iron baroque figurine, a bust of Bellman, a chandelier with turquoise glass prisms, right in the midst of everything, a rocking horse from the small Swedish town of Gemla, two floor clocks, a Nils Nilsson Skum that is just as typical as you would want it, and without any exaggeration, much, much more.

You are warmly welcome to explore all these carefully selected items, handpicked by an old industry veteran and connoisseur who worked for many years as an expert at Stockholm's Auction House during an era when antiques were surrounded by an almost magical aura that was so hard to put your finger on but that met you as soon as you crossed the threshold of the already so venerable old auction house.

And about that camel in the article, by the way. It is one of the handpicked items at the auction that was once highlighted and acquired by the auction assistant Iwan Dahlin.