Gerhard Wihlborg – The Poet of Colour from Österlen
With his paintbrush as a constant companion, Gerhard Wihlborg (1897–1982) captured the light and landscapes that define Österlen – a place he returned to time and time again throughout his artistic career. During his study trips to Italy, he was fascinated by the southern European light, but remarked with a smile: “It’s bloody beautiful – but it’s not as beautiful as Kåseberga.”
Wihlborg studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm during the 1920s, where he developed a strong foundation in classical painting. But it was through his encounter with the Skåne landscape that his true artistic voice emerged – vibrant, lively, and deeply rooted in the land.
Wihlborg remained devoted to Österlen, enjoying great popularity over several decades. His paintings pulse with life, colour, and presence – portraying fields of rapeseed, villages, and sea with a sensitivity that is both personal and universal. His artistry is grounded in the soil of Skåne, yet speaks to all.
In this themed auction, we present a handpicked selection of around 20 works that reflect Wihlborg’s deep love for Österlen – and his unique eye for the landscape’s ever-changing moods.
Discover an artistic legacy that celebrates light, colour, and place.