Can a 60-Krona Purchase Reveal a Hidden Strindberg?
An intriguing saga unfolds as a man’s humble auction buy sparks a captivating quest. This is a story of art, obsession, and the tantalizing possibility of uncovering a lost masterpiece by the famed playwright **August Strindberg**, all starting with a simple purchase.
The Unlikely Discovery
The auctioneer’s call of “60!” was answered by **Sven-Erik Pettersson**, who raised his hand. For that sum, he acquired a board featuring an archipelago motif. However, a closer look revealed something extraordinary. Could it possibly be an original piece by **August Strindberg**? That’s what **Sven-Erik** began to wonder.
The ensuing investigation, led by journalist **Christian Daun**, journeys from **Sven-Erik’s** Antikhandel to the Blue Tower in Stockholm. The quest involved experts, archives, and unexpected leads. The core question remained: Is the board genuinely a **Strindberg**? It is a story about friendship, doubt, and convincing indications.
The Expert’s Verdict
However, the verdict of **Göran Söderström**, a leading authority on **Strindberg**, was a firm “no.” Yet, **Sven-Erik** was not dissuaded. He continued to uncover evidence suggesting the opposite, including an X-ray examination conducted at Mora Laser.
In the documentary series, the audience follows **Sven-Erik**, along with friends like **Jan**, the carpet, and the weasel, as they explore the truth. The team found themselves close to answers at the end, but only one final obstacle remains. The third and final part of the series asks: Will the answer ever be known?
The art world is filled with mysteries. The global art market was valued at $67.8 billion in 2023 (Statista), demonstrating how much value hangs on the authenticity of a single piece.
Podcast Details
The documentary series, “The Dream of a Genuine Strindberg,” has multiple parts. The producer is **Blenda Setterwall Klingert**. The reader is **Ia Langhammer**, the editor is **Daniel Persson Mora**, the art director is **Liv Widell**, and the responsible publisher is **Lisa Inenius**.
