Scandinavian Paintings

S otheby’s is the leading international force in Scandinavian and Nordic art, having pioneered the globalisation of the category more than thirty years ago. By presenting Nordic paintings in London—where visibility and demand are strongest—Sotheby’s has attracted a truly international collector base. Nearly 60% of Nordic art sold at Sotheby’s in London over the past five years has been acquired by non‑Nordic buyers, underscoring the department’s success in expanding the global market for Scandinavian masterpieces.

Our leadership is reflected in the world‑record prices we hold for each of the Nordic countries, including landmark results for Edvard Munch, August Strindberg, Vilhelm Hammershøi and Helene Schjerfbeck. Sotheby’s has also achieved exceptional prices for Harald Sohlberg, Nikolai Astrup, Albert Edelfelt and many other celebrated artists from the region. We are particularly renowned for our expertise in Hammershøi, having achieved 8 of the top 10 auction prices for the artist—all exceeding £1 million—including the standout sale of Interior with Woman at Piano, Strandgade 30 for $6.2 million.

Scandinavian paintings are offered within our twice‑yearly 19th Century European Paintings sales in London, providing the strongest global platform for achieving top results. Today, Sotheby’s continues to connect Nordic art with an international audience of collectors, offering unparalleled expertise, market leadership and a proven track record of record‑breaking success.