RUNE SIGVARD (1907-1943), “Byskvaller”, signed and dated Rune Sigvard 1939, oil on canvas.

Canvas dimensions approx. 69.5x79 cm.
Frame dimensions 83x94 cm.

EXHIBITED:
L Jacobson, Rune Sigvard, Memorial Exhibition April 1953, Östersunds Konstklubb, Jämtland County Art Association, catalogue number 151.

HISTORIAN:
Rune Sigvard — An Artistic Life Walk
Sigvard Svensson (eg. Rune Sigvard Svensson, born 23 November 1907 in Östersund, died 1943 in Stockholm, was a Swedish typographer, painter and cartoonist.

He was the son of the artist Arvid Ragnar Julius Svensson and the laundromat worker Sofia Svensson. Sigvard began painting early and received some guidance from his father. He is also said to have had contact with the artist August Berg as a youngster. Despite his father's reluctance, he chose the artist path after first being trained as a typographer and working at sea. From 1930 to 1935, he lived in Canada, where he lived an adventurous life and, among other things, tried to earn a living as a wood sculptor. According to his own account, he spent three years in a house of torture after stealing a cash register.

Back in Sweden, he painted more intensively and made contact with artist circles in Östersund. He made his debut in 1937 and had his breakthrough at an exhibition in Stockholm in 1940. His painting Annunciation was particularly acclaimed. He participated in several collecting exhibitions and gained some recognition, but his life was lined with anxiety and addiction. In 1943, he was found dead in an apartment in Stockholm. The cause of death is unclear.

Memorial exhibitions were held after his death, including in Östersund and at Galleri Remi. Svensson was also interested in literature and wrote shorter essays. Despite a limited production, he is considered one of Norrland's foremost artists — a romantic and bohemian with strong expression. He painted portraits, floral still lifes, woodworkers, and literary-inspired motifs, among others. He is represented at Hälsingland Museum, Östersund Museum and Moderna museet.