Landscape with figures
Signed IPK. Canvas 72 x 102 cm. Period Gustavian frame.
Formerly in the collection at Värnanäs Manor, Hallstorps socken, Småland, Sweden, formed by Carl Råbergh, ennobled Mannerskantz (1747–1817).
Värnanäs is beautifully located by the Kalmarsund strait. In the 16th century, the property was owned by the Vasa dynasty, and it is said that King Gustav Vasa and Queen Margareta stayed there in 1541. Värnanäs was burned down by the Danes in 1564 during the Kalmar War.
Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna became the new owner of Värnanäs in 1647 and turned it into a residence in his county of Södra Möre Härad. He had a new main house built at the very tip of the peninsula.
The next interesting period in Värnanäs' history begins in 1780 when it was purchased by Major Carl Råbergh and his wife Christina Lindeman. The successful Major Råbergh, ennobled as Mannerskantz, invested significant resources in beautifying and improving the estate. In 1791, the current main building was erected, along with a caretaker's residence, a warehouse, and other farm buildings. An English park with pavilions and walking paths was created in the surrounding beech and oak forest.
The versatile Mannerskantz, like many of his contemporaries, developed a passion for art collecting. At Värnanäs, an outstanding manor collection was created, with highlights including Dutch and Flemish art. The collection was preserved until the 1980s. In this auction, Bukowskis is pleased to present several works from the Värnanäs Collection.