Modern art in Vejle

The international auction in Bredgade revealed huge interest for contemporary art as well as Cobra and classic modernism. In the latter category not least early paintings by Albert Bertelsen were in great demand. In consequence, the auction in Vejle offers five significant works by this artist, discussed in further detail in the latest issue of Auction Living (estimates ranging from DKK 40,000 to 100,000).

At the upcoming preview you will also find works by the Cobra artists: Egill Jacobsen’s optimistic and bright mask painting from 1949 (estimate: DKK 500,000) is a perfect example of the euphoria and creative joy that characterized the most significant artist’s group of the post-war years. Later the members of the group consolidated individual positions and their artistic force was truly far-reaching: Henry Heerup, arguably one of the most inventive members of the group, is represented by “The World of the Cross” from 1981, a frieze of life based on his own artistic work and the symbols with which he surrounded himself (estimate: DKK 125,000).

The auction in Bredgade made it clear that there is a tremendous amount of interest in the Chinese artist Walasse Ting. Two small watercolours will be offered in Vejle and they are bound to exceed the estimate of DKK 6,000 – 8,000 each. The interest in Walasse Ting is not least attributable to the flourishing Chinese economy. This relation also applies for a work by another artist from a prosperous nation - Iceland’s Jon Stefansson whose still-life with lilacs, estimated at DKK 100,000, is likely to be in high demand among his countrymen.

Emil Nolde’s important place in the history of art is also felt in his graphic works. “Saul und David”, an unsigned dry point etching from 1911, is likely to give rise to international interest even if it is estimated at a mere DKK 50,000. Likewise, Henri Matisse’s en face portrait of a woman from the series “La Pompadour” can be expected to create a stir (estimate: DKK 20,000 – 25,000). Today, lithographs of this kind are considered to be just as serious and interesting investments as stocks and securities.