The Modern Art + Design Auction
Photo: Patrick Miller.
Our Modern Art + Design auction will take place on 25 April. With its dynamic, stylish content, Modern + Design proves that modernism is now more in demand than ever. We are pleased to present a selection from a fantastically rich viewing, to be held at Berzelii Park 1 on 20-24 April 2017.
One of this spring’s absolute highlights is Siri Derkert’s cubist painting “The Balcony”, dated 1916, one of very few surviving works from her cubist period. Together with pieces by Leander Engström, Carl Kylberg, Ivan Ivarson and Otto G Carlsund, “The Balcony” represents one of several masterpieces submitted for this year’s first Modern Art + Design auction. A significant sculpture by the Catalan sculptor and painter Julio González – who, together with Picasso, paved the way for modern sculpture in the early 20th century – and Lynn Chadwick’s dramatic bronze figures are unique examples of sculpture at its most fascinating.
“We’re delighted to have received sculptures that represent a three-dimensional expression of the breakthrough of modern art,” says Lena Rydén, specialist in modern art and prints. “Both pieces have excellent provenances, which will be important when it comes to the final price. We’re currently seeing a trend – both in Sweden and internationally – where buyers are looking for the very best works of the highest quality, with prestigious provenances.”
A magnificent pine table carved and sculpted by Gustaf Fjaestad’s older brother Knut Fjaestad is expected to attract considerable international attention, and showcases Sweden’s fine tradition of craftsmanship. Following great international interest in Axel Einar Hjorth’s 1930s furniture, Bukowskis is proud to present a highly unusual desk from the designer’s Sport range this season. We also have a unique Josef Frank cabinet, decorated with Sydenham Edwards’ hand-coloured botanical engravings, in a style that contrasts with Frank’s more traditional floral cabinets.
“This spring’s design auction features the incredibly high quality of Danish design,” adds Eva Seeman, specialist in modern design and 20th century works of art. “I’m thinking immediately about Hans J. Wegner’s Cow Horn chairs and the surprisingly fine pairing of Finn Juhl’s Egyptian chair together with his Judas table.”
Ceramics and glass were last year’s big auction surprise, which can be seen clearly in the magnificent selection of works going under the hammer in April. Swedish names such as Edvin Öhrström, Berndt Friberg, Wilhelm Kåge and Stig Lindberg, together with their Finnish colleagues Birger Kaipiainen and Rut Bryk, are among those in greatest demand.
Märta Måås-Fjetterström remains extremely popular, and – together with Barbro Nilsson – has shown that Swedish textile art and design are also highly coveted internationally. Both were talented textile artists, with the former inspiring a whole new generation of designers. Of these, Agda Österberg, Maja Andersson Wirde and Maja Sjöström have attracted particular attention. Thanks to these artists, Swedish textiles and design have found a wider audience, with especially great demand from cities such as New York, Paris, London and Milan.
“Since the early 80s, there has been a lot of interest in second-hand Swedish carpets and this has sky-rocketed in recent years,” says Anette Granlund, specialist in carpets, textiles and Islamic works of art. The discriminating, elegant patterns and the ethereal colour palette have broad international appeal that reaches far beyond Scandinavia. One excellent example is “Checked Blue Half Pile”, designed by Märta Måås-Fjetterström in 1938, and which previously sold at Bukowskis for SEK 588,000. This spring’s auction includes a carpet with the same pattern.
Viewing 20 – 24 April at Bukowskis, Berzelii Park 1, Stockholm
Sale 25 April at Arsenalsgatan 2, Stockholm.
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