Modern Art + Design – Lena Rydén lists art favourites
The Specialist's choice Lena Rydén
We have spoken with Lena Rydén, Head of Art, Specialist Modern and 19th century Art, who talks about the selection at this autumn's Modern Art + Design. She also takes the opportunity to list some of her favourite objects among the substantial selection of Swedish and international modern art at this fall's auction.
What can we look forward to in this autumn's Modern Art + Design auction?
– The Modern Art + Design auction is very close to my heart. It covers the groundbreaking art from the beginning of the 20th century, when a whole new chapter in art history began, to the next paradigm shift around the 1960s. This auction is unusually rich and includes Swedish and international modernists in all price ranges. There are always a few works that stand out and become personal favourites. I feel very privileged to work with my most significant interest.
Feel free to look through our web catalogue and do not hesitate to stop by for a viewing. You can also email or call me, and we will find a time that suits you. Welcome!
When is the viewing and auction?
Viewing: November 10–15th, Berzelii Park 1, Stockholm.
Open: Mon–Fri 11 AM – 6 PM, Sat–Sun, 11 AM – 4 PM.
Auction: November 16–17th, Arsenalsgatan 2, Stockholm.
Read more about the auction and view the catalogue
Pablo Picasso, ”Homme barbu de trois-quart/Version profil d’un homme”, 1942-43
The human body and portraits were recurring favourite subjects throughout Picasso's career. Even his earliest works show an exceptional ability to capture the character and mood of the model.
This finely tuned portrait is executed in ink on paper. On the back of the painting, Picasso has drawn another portrait, also signed.
The drawing was sold at an auction in Paris in 1952, at which time Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, Picasso's gallerist, arranged for it to be signed. It is always fantastic to acquire international works by the great masters, and when there is also an exciting provenance, which adds an extra dimension to the item.
To ”Tête d'homme”
Maurice Utrillo, ”Vue de Corte”
Utrillo is best known for his Paris motifs, especially Montmartre and Montmagny, but he also painted views of England and Corsica. In October 1912, Utrillo travelled with his mother and future father-in-law to Belgodère in Corsica, where he painted the auction's painting, Vue de Corte, a motif from the old capital of Corsica. This painting was part of the collection of another famous artist, Carl Milles. While living in New York, Milles became a frequent visitor to the renowned art dealer M. Knoedler & Co at 14 East 57th Street in New York, where he purchased the painting. The provenance of this painting is exceptional and shows that it was already considered a masterpiece in the early 20th century.
To ”Vue de Corte”
Sigrid Hjertén, ”Kalkklippan, St Aubin”
For a long time, Sigrid Hjertén's paintings from the 1930s, when she was being treated for her mental illness at Beckomberga, were considered less interesting than her early work. These later works have been re-evaluated today, as she often returns to earlier motifs. As in van Gogh's most famous paintings from the period of his illness, I find Hjertén's paintings from the 1930s to have a nerve and intensity that is very exciting. "Limestone Cliff, St Aubin" was painted almost 100 years ago but could just as easily be painted today; it is so timeless and strong.
To ”Kalkklippan, St Aubin”
Peter Dahl, ”Vårat rum VII”.
Bukowskis has sold many exciting and significant collections over the years. This painting by Peter Dahl is part of Lars Wetterling's collection, where part one was sold at our Contemporary auction in October, and part two is now being sold at Modern Art & Design. It's an extraordinary trust to sell someone's collection, and it's often quite an emotional process from consignment to sale. It's also extra fun to work with collections and get to know the people behind them. A collection can look many different ways, but the common thread is the collector's love and passion for the works, which have often been acquired over a lifetime.
To ”Vårat rum VII”
Contacts our Specialists
Stockholm
Lena Rydén
Head of Art, Specialist Modern and 19th century Art
+46 (0)707 78 35 71
Stockholm
Andreas Rydén
Head Specialist, Art, Deputy Managing Director
+46 (0)728 58 71 39
Stockholm
Björn Extergren
Head of Consignment and Sales Department, Fine Art. Specialist Antique Furniture, Decorative Arts and Asian Ceramics
+46 (0)706 40 28 61