Stockholms Auktionsverk Presents: The Modern Art Sale and The Contemporary Art Sale

The Modern Art Sale presents important works from 20th-century modernism. Otte Sköld’s “Jardin des plantes, Paris”, Sigrid Hjertén’s “Balillaparaden”, and Ragnar Sandberg’s “Bad på bryggan” represent Swedish modernist painting at its highest level, while early 1920s works by the Halmstad Group deepen the understanding of the movement’s development. The sculpture section includes Eric Grate’s “Entomologiskt kvinnorov”, Christian Berg’s “Torpedfigur I”, and Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd’s “Non-Violence”.

The international selection is highlighted by Andy Warhol’s iconic “Queen Elizabeth II”, Jean-Paul Riopelle’s “Arthur”, and Jasper Johns’ series “The Seasons”, alongside a substantial selection of paintings by Erik Haamer.

“This is an auction that makes the grand narrative of modernism tangible through works that both defined their time and continue to challenge us today,” says Victoria Svederberg, Head of Art at Stockholms Auktionsverk.

“But there is also room for important re-evaluations. Gösta Adrian-Nilsson’s “Solträdet” is a newly discovered painting from the acclaimed Swedish artist’s exhibition at Liljevalchs in 1919, where he did not sell a single work. It has not been shown for over 100 years and is now finally given the opportunity for recognition.”

Among the key highlights in The Contemporary Art Sale are two works by Lena Cronqvist in which the figure of the girl takes centre stage. “Flicka med fläta och parasoll” is a striking example of Cronqvist’s sculptural practice, while the painting “Två flickor” explores childhood play and the tension between innocence and unease.

The auction’s international significance is further reinforced by “Spine (Black B)” by Tony Cragg, whose organic forms and sensitivity to materials place him at the forefront of contemporary sculpture. Another highlight is “Woman in a Red Dress” by Stephan Balkenhol, carved from a single block of wood. The sale also features internationally renowned photographers such as David LaChapelle and Cindy Sherman.

The Contemporary Art Sale also pays tribute to Ola Billgren, one of Sweden’s most influential late 20th-century artists. Marking 25 years since his untimely passing, the auction presents a curated selection from his career — from works of the 1970s to his distinctive red paintings of the 1990s.

“Här slutar allmän väg” by Dan Wolgers captures the essence of his practice with conceptual clarity and subtle humour, while the sale also features works by Britta Marakatt-Labba and Jockum Nordström, known for his dreamlike collages where the naïve meets the sophisticated.

The preview opens on 8 May at Nybrogatan 32 in Stockholm. The Modern Art Sale goes under the hammer on 20 May, followed by The Contemporary Art Sale on 21 May.

Explore the catalogue for The Modern Art Sale here.

Explore the catalogue for The Contemporary Art Sale here.