Reindeer Rider (from the Peer Gynt Suite)
Print / Lithograph on heavy paper • Frans Widerberg (Norwegian, 1934–2017)
Style & Movement
Neo-Expressionism / Nordic Proto-Expressionism; characterized by hallucinatory color and visionary figures.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; characterized by vibrant, primary-colored layering and a distinctive splatter or stippling effect within the blue fields.
Creation Period
Circa 1990-1991
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70 x 50 cm; Vertical (Portrait) format.
Subject Description
A figure riding a reindeer through a cosmic or dreamlike space. The composition features rhythmic, yellow-orange diagonal bands against a deep blue background. This imagery relates to the 'Bukkeryttet' (the Buck-ride) scene from Henrik Ibsen’s play 'Peer Gynt,' illustrating Peer’s fantastic and tall tales of riding a wild buck across a narrow ridge.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the colors appear vibrant with no obvious fading, though there are slight irregularities at the paper edges.
Estimated Market Value
USD $800 - $1,500
Auction Estimate
USD $600 - $1,200
Provenance History
Likely part of the 'Peer Gynt' portfolio commissioned for the Ibsen Festival or a similar literary-artistic collaboration in Norway; typically acquired through Scandinavian galleries specializing in 20th-century prints.
Art Historical Significance
Widerberg is considered one of Norway’s most significant 20th-century artists. His interpretation of Peer Gynt is iconic, bridging the gap between classic Norwegian literature and modern psychological expression. His work is held in major institutions including the National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design in Oslo.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature 'primary triad' color palette (yellow, red, blue). The weightless, floating figures are a signature Widerberg motif, symbolizing the transition between the physical world and the subconscious.
Condition Issues
Possible minor handling creases at the margins; the bottom edge appears slightly ragged, which may be a deckled edge but should be inspected for unintended tears. No evidence of foxing or UV damage is visible in the image.
Conservation Recommendations
Framing with UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting is essential to preserve the high-sensitivity pigments. Keep in a climate-controlled environment with humidity between 40-50%.
Collector Notes
Frans widerberg peer gynt collection