The Estate of a Collector

Lysekils Auktionsbyrå has been entrusted with the sale of a remarkable private collection, featuring primarily early works by Swedish modernist artists. Among the highlights are rare pieces by artists who studied under Matisse or worked within his circles. The collection includes a sculpture by Erik-Rafael Rådberg depicting the actor Lars Hanson, as well as two works by the Swedish-American sculptor David Edström. There is also a nearly Cubist Italian landscape from 1908 by Gregori Aminoff, exhibited at the first show of the artist group “De Unga,” widely regarded as the breakthrough of modern art in Sweden. A northern Swedish landscape by Gabriel Strandberg from 1910 and a Parisian street scene by Arvid Nilsson from the same year further enrich the offering.

Some of the most intriguing works document a 1913 trip to Copenhagen made by Filip Wahlström, Carl Kylberg, and Fritz Bange. Wahlström’s painting reflects his close relationship with Ivar Arosenius. One particularly noteworthy piece is a painting of Lake Bosjön by Ragnar Ljungman. Ljungman died before turning 24, and almost his entire body of work is held by the Bohuslän Museum. This may well be the only piece by him in private hands.

Also included are works by lesser-known members of the Konstnärsförbundet, such as animation pioneer Arvid Olson and Norwegian painter Henry Bonnevie. The Swedish-American artist Anton Pearson, a close friend of Birger Sandzén in Lindsborg, Kansas, is represented by a painting that is possibly the only one of his works currently in Sweden. Another artist who passed through Sweden during the war before continuing his career in the U.S. is Adja Yunkers.

The collection also features expressive and color-rich works by author Harry Martinson and Pinchus Kremegne. Martinson’s painting, likely created in the early 1930s, is one of his most vibrant. Kremegne’s work is reminiscent of the colorful style of his friend Marc Chagall, with whom he shared the Montparnasse art scene. It likely dates from the late 1910s, when Kremegne traveled through France with Chaim Soutine and discovered the village of Céret, where he later settled.

Additional highlights include an early painting by Icelandic pioneer Kristín Jónsdóttir and several etchings related to the Ballets Russes. The collection also comprises Asian antiques, Neolithic stone axes, and several rare Roman coins.

Warm welcome!