A successful sale for Peter Weiss at Bukowskis – great interest from museums when Weiss’ collection was sold

Peter Weiss, "People in a Tram I and II". Panel 53 x 91 cm, each. Sold for SEK 492 450 kr.

The main lot "People in a Tram I and II" was sold for a fantastic final price of 492 450 SEK (hammer price 402 000 SEK)

– This sale made it possible for me to regulate the large loan I have taken to repurchase the few stolen art works that have been found. Its crucial for me that this sale contributes and enables a larger audience to view Peter Weiss' art works, which now has become reality since several of the art works ended up in official collections in some of our most prominent Swedish and international museums. The art works have a historical value for both institutions and collectors due to the fact that Peter Weiss was both nationally and internationally appreciated as an artist and author, said Gunilla Palmstierna Weiss.

– It is a fantastic result for this spring’s most prestigious collection. Bukowskis is proud to been entrusted by Gunilla Palmstierna Weiss to sell this unique collection. We look forward to an eventful auction season with several exceptional collections and new visitors records, says Björn Extergren, Head of Consignment & Sales Department.

The auction included 49 art works from his earliest oil paintings in the mid-1930s to the late 1950s. The auction became a huge success when it was a sold online after a well-visited viewing at Bukowskis, Berzelii Park in Stockholm. The art works sold 69% over estimated prices, a result which emphasizes the importance that artist Peter Weiss has both in Sweden and internationally.

– The interest of Peter Weiss collection both in Sweden and internationally was huge, which we can state is a great delight. Gunilla Palmstierna Weiss and I have discussed this project for several years and that the significance of that art works from this collection would be placed in official collections. It is with a great satisfaction we now can ascertain that several art works from the collection have been acquired by museums and institutions, says Andreas Rydén, Head Specialist, Art, Deputy Managing Director.

The highlight of the auction was Weiss’ early work "People in a Tram I and II", which is a very interesting piece of art for its time, and after an intense bidding was sold for a final price of 492 450 SEK (hammer price 402 000 SEK), more than five times its estimated price. Also the oil paintings from the mid 1930s were highly sought-after. Two fine examples of this are the art work "The Machines attack Mankind, Berlin 1935" that was sold for 253 575 SEK (hammer price 207 000 SEK), along with "Young Man in Churchyard (Prague)", which achieved a final price of 198 450 SEK (hammer price 162 000 SEK).

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