A world record for Lena Cronqvist and several million-plus sales at Stockholms Auktionsverk’s spring art auctions

One of the auctions’ most notable results was Lena Cronqvist’s sculpture “Flicka med flätor och parasoll”, which sold for nearly SEK 1.9 million at Thursday’s The Contemporary Art Sale — a world record for an individual sculpture by the artist.

“Lena Cronqvist’s sensuous bronze sculpture combines strength and vulnerability in a motif that became central to her artistic practice. Today’s result confirms her position as one of Sweden’s most important contemporary artists,” says Victoria Svederberg, Head of the Art Department at Stockholms Auktionsverk.

The day before, Karin Parrow also achieved a new record for the artist when the painting “Kappseglingsdag” sold for SEK 231,250 at The Modern Art Sale. The result reflects growing interest in the Gothenburg Colourist’s oeuvre.

The highest result of the auctions was achieved by Andy Warhol’s “Queen Elizabeth II”, which achieved a final price of SEK 2.5 million. The unique screenprint from the Reigning Queens series is considered one of the artist’s most sought-after motifs. Jean-Paul Riopelle’s abstract masterpiece “Arthur” sold for SEK 1,875,000, while Andy Warhol’s triptych “Ingrid Bergman” reached SEK 1.25 million.

Other million-plus sales during the auction days included Ivan Ivarson’s “Fruktskörden” at SEK 1,150,000 and Jasper Johns’ print series “The Seasons” at SEK 1,050,000.

At Thursday’s The Contemporary Art Sale, Bill Watterson’s original drawing “Hello to Sweden” also attracted intense international bidding and sold for SEK 875,000. The unique comic illustration featuring Calvin and Hobbes was created in connection with the Swedish launch in 1987.