Victoria Svederberg on the art of recognising the unique

Victoria’s interest in art and cultural history dates back to her childhood at Läckö Royal Manor, and her journey has been shaped by determination, curiosity and a clear drive to develop. Holding a Master’s degree in Art History from Uppsala University, along with experience in both the art trade and the auction world, she has built up deep expertise and an extensive network – both in Sweden and internationally.

In an industry where knowledge is not only about theory but about “seeing” correctly, experience is crucial.

“It is the unique object itself that is the most exciting, whether it is older or contemporary art. To grasp all its dimensions, it is not always enough to be young, green and eager – experience is essential,” says Victoria.

“The work means constantly encountering new environments and objects – from modest finds to works worth millions. It is in these encounters, and in the combination of expertise and instinct, that true professionalism becomes evident.”

However, leading an art department at the highest level is not solely about expertise in art. It also requires commercial awareness, relationship-building, and the ability to navigate a global market where demand can shift rapidly.

Under Victoria Svederberg’s leadership, the art department has been behind several notable sales, both nationally and internationally. The most recent example is last November’s modern art auction, which was a major success, achieving nine million-plus results.

At the centre was Andy Warhol’s painting Frölunda Hockey Player, a newly discovered work with an unexpected Swedish connection, which sold for SEK 5 million.

Other notable results include sales of works by Fernand Léger, Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall – artists whose works continue to attract a global market. Victoria was also involved in the top result for Chagall’s painting When Abdullah Brought His Net Ashore, which sold for SEK 4.4 million a couple of years ago.

Submissions are currently underway for the major spring auction – The Modern Art Sale – on 20 May.

“It is on the day of the auction that both the depth and breadth of our modern offering – from international icons to beloved Swedish artists – truly take centre stage. Each work carries its own story, but also a potential that is yet to be realised. Stockholms Auktionsverk reaches over 180 countries, and the anticipation that something extraordinary might happen is unparalleled,” says Victoria Svederberg.

Alongside her work at Stockholms Auktionsverk, Victoria also appears as an expert on Swedish TV, where she appraises art for a television audience of millions – a role that has further established her as a familiar and popular figure.

Despite this, Victoria’s primary motivation is not commercial.

“This is not a profession one chooses for the glamour. It is a job and a way of life that you are truly passionate about.”