Ragnar Sandberg

The auction's painting Cyclists by Ragnar Sandberg, probably painted in the 1930s, is a brilliant example of his early artistry and ability to capture the vibrant energy of the city. The work is characterised by a characteristic play of colours, where a shimmering yellow tone interacts harmoniously with Sandberg's typical pink and green hues. By depicting the bicycles as silhouettes and the figures as partially abstracted, Sandberg shifts the focus to the movement and dynamics of the motif. It is the rhythm of the movement, rather than the detail, that gives the painting its life.
As a leading modernist and central figure in the Gothenburg Colourists, Sandberg was masterful in using colour as his primary means of expression. Inspired by artists such as Pierre Bonnard, he refined his colourist palette during this period, as is evident in Cyclists. Here, he uses the power of colour to create an atmosphere of light and joy, capturing the pulse and energy of the city in a way that feels both playful and lyrical.
The painting highlights Sandberg's unique ability to use colour and form to create a harmonious whole. Despite the often gloomy depictions of the city in the 1930s, he manages to emphasise the joy of life and movement, where the city appears as a place full of energy and optimism. Cyclists is a tribute to the rhythm of the city, a work that vibrates with life and shows Sandberg's artistic skill in transforming the everyday into something beautiful and alive.