White Bear King Valemon | Theodor Kittelsen | Sold for NOK 36 Million

In Oslo on 27 November 2024, the atmosphere inside Grev Wedels Plass Auksjoner shifted as Theodor Severin Kittelsen’s White Bear King Valemon (Kvitebjørn kong Valemon), painted in 1912, reached an extraordinary price. The work achieved NOK 36 million, setting a new record for Norwegian art at auction. More than ten bidders competed fiercely, prolonging the sale and confirming the enduring resonance of this iconic image from folklore.

Theodor Kittelsen, born in 1857 in Kragerø, became one of Norway’s most treasured artists by weaving together nature and myth. His paintings and illustrations, often filled with trolls, enchanted forests, and supernatural beings, have defined the visual language of Norwegian fairy tales. In White Bear King Valemon, he captures the mysterious figure of a bear-king bound by a curse, blending majesty with melancholy in a scene that continues to fascinate.

This sale did more than set a record; it marked a turning point. By doubling Kittelsen’s previous auction high, White Bear King Valemon underscored the growing strength of the Norwegian art market and reaffirmed the cultural significance of a painter who gave shape to the nation’s myths.

Theodor Kittelsen | White Bear King Valemon

Photography courtesy of GWPA

Written by Gem Exploring Editorial