Works on paper by J.F. Willumsen

The collection showcases seven decades of singular artistic output, primarily consisting of graphic art, which Willumsen created throughout his career, alongside original works on paper. Among them are a number of rare studies from Willumsen’s 1892 trip to Norway, precursors to his main work “Jotunheimen” (1892–1993). The selection spans works from 1885 (the artist’s first etching and catalogue number 1 in Sigurd Schultz’ catalogue of Willumsen’s graphic works), all the way to 1949.

Early interest in J.F. Willumsen focused mainly on his pioneering symbolist works from the 1890s, when he was a fully paid-up member of the international symbolist movement. However, the later phases in his multifaceted production are now undergoing both commercial and art historic reappraisal. These works are now being viewed through different lenses and on their own merits. Most recently, Henrik Wivel’s impressive monograph “Jeg er en anden” (I am another) (2024) has been published, in which Wivel explores Willumsen’s calculated (self)representation and relationship with the women in his life, fellow artists Juliette Meyer, Edith Wessel and Michelle Bourret.

The collection up for auction belonged to Arne I. Hoem (1911–1986), a Norwegian businessman with diverse cultural interests and roles within archaeology, the museum sector, history and books. In the early 1970s, he began to take a deep interest in J.F. Willumsen, whom he perceived as a Danish counterpart to Norway’s Edvard Munch. He corresponded with the art historian Sigurd Schultz (1894–1980), who became the first director of the newly established J. F. Willumsens Museum in 1957, and sought his advice on potential acquisitions from art dealers and auctions. Some of this correspondence is up for auction together with Hoem’s books on Willumsen.