Good Art November

Crafoord Auktioner Stockholm proudly presents the themed auction God Konst, spotlighting this month’s curated selection of fascinating artists and artworks. The auction aims to elevate these pieces and, hopefully, add warmth and vibrance to many walls.

This collection celebrates artists like Oskar Bergman, Sven Jonson, Esaias Thorén, Victor Vasarely, Harry Booström, Man Ray, and a significant selection of original works by Ester Henning. Other highlights include numerous Stockholm and archipelago scenes by Herman Hägg and Roland Svensson, a refined portrait by Elsa Backlund-Celsing, and Gustaf Magnusson’s grand piece Paris dom from 1920. Also of note is Ernst Nilsson’s enchanting depiction of Uppsala Castle. The sculpture section features works by Liss Eriksson, Carl Eldh with a portrait of August Strindberg, Ruth Milles, Carin Nilson, David Wretling, and Stig Blomberg, among others.

The name God Konst has a historical resonance. In 1941, the exhibit “Good Art in Every Home” was launched by HSB, aiming to encourage the presence of quality art in homes. The catalog’s preface emphasized that good housing requires art as an integral part. The principle was to make quality art accessible to the public at affordable prices. For quality assurance, a jury of prominent artists and art evaluators carefully selected the exhibit’s pieces. This led to notable works being available to the public, such as GAN’s Berns 1918 for 5000 SEK, Ratten for 350 SEK, and Laboratorium for 500 SEK. The 10th-anniversary exhibition was held at Liljevalchs Konsthall in Stockholm.

That same year, Gunnar Hjorthén (1913-1997) established Galleri God Konst in Gothenburg, which soon became a cornerstone of the city’s art scene. Initially located on Vallgatan, the gallery later moved to Drottninggatan, the Concert Hall, and Södra Vägen. Hjorthén promoted “young art” with artists like Ivan Ivarson, Karin Parrow, Ragnar Sandberg, and Inge Schiöler, helping to establish the Gothenburg Colorism movement. Like the Svensk-Franska Gallery, Hjorthén fostered ties with the Paris art scene and exhibited groundbreaking modern pieces, including Tsugoharu Foujita in 1953.

Join us for the viewing and let yourself be inspired.

Auction: November 30
Viewing: Crafoord Auktioner, Galoppvägen 3, Täby. Monday-Friday 1-5 pm, Saturday 11 am-2 pm.