On 27 November, Theodor Kittelsen's painting Kvitebjørn kong Valemon ('White Bear King Valemon') set a historic record when it was sold for 36 million Norwegian kroner (45 million including fees, about £3.2 million) at the auction Høstens Utvalgte at Grev Wedels Plass Auksjoner in Oslo. Kvitebjørn king Valemon not only set a new record for Theodor Kittelsen but also became the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction in Norway.
"This exceptional record is a clear testament to the strength of the market for works that excel in terms of subject, provenance, and the period of an artist's career. These factors can ignite bidding battles of a rare intensity," said Pontus Silfverstolpe, co-founder of Barnebys.
Theodor Kittelsen, one of Norway's most celebrated artists, is renowned for his works inspired by Norwegian folklore and fairy tales. His paintings frequently feature trolls and other mythical beings, creating a compelling mix of fascination and unease. Kvitebjørn kong Valemon exemplifies this unique style. The artwork portrays a dramatic and magical scene from the Norwegian saga about an enchanted bear king navigating a perilous journey through an infinite, untamed landscape. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of Nordic folklore, blending awe-inspiring natural elements with the mystical and mythical.
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The painting, the only coloured version of this motif, has been displayed in several prominent museums, including the National Museum and Blaafarveværket. Over time, Kvitebjørn kong Valemon has become a cornerstone of Norwegian art history, earning recognition as one of Kittelsen's most iconic and cherished works.
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Expectations for the auction were sky-high, with experts predicting that the piece would surpass Kittelsen's previous record, set in 2021 when Andersnatten sold for 14 million Norwegian kroner. When the gavel fell at 36 million kroner, Kvitebjørn kong Valemon not only became Theodor Kittelsen's most valuable painting but also broke records as the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction in Norway.
"Kvitebjørn kong Valemon is considered by many to be the most iconic motif in Norwegian art history. Every Norwegian, whether eight or eighty, has a connection to ‘Kvitebjørn’," says Hans Richard Elgheim, expert and founder of Grev Wedels Plass Auksjoner. "This sale also signifies a significant moment for Norwegian art, as it achieves pricing levels comparable to those of other Nordic masters. Sweden has its Strindberg, and Denmark its Hammershøi—now a Norwegian artist has finally entered the same league. While Edvard Munch has long been internationally established at an even higher level, this remains a remarkable milestone for Norwegian art."
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Kvitebjørn kong Valemon was sold by the daughters of Norwegian financier Petter Olsen through the family company, Firmament. The decision to sell the painting followed Olsen's personal bankruptcy, though the transaction was conducted outside of the bankruptcy estate. Petter Olsen is also known for selling another iconic Norwegian artwork: a version of Edvard Munch's The Scream. This sale, which took place in 2012 at Sotheby’s in New York, fetched the equivalent of about £85 million.
