Painting by Moomins Creator Tove Jansson to Auction

Finnish author Tove Jansson is best known as the woman behind the Moomins universe but Bruun Rasmussen’s March 4 auction presents a colorful still-life by her from 1939.

Estimated at DKK 350,000-400,000 ($51,000 - $58,000), the painting features a vase decorated with stylised grapes, and crisp, green-red apples and fresh flowers. 

Jansson began art studies in Stockholm at the age of 16, later continuing her education at the Ateneum in Helsinki.

“Tove Jansson is today considered one of Finland’s most important artists of the period. Just as in her books, we find that same open, personal sensuality expressed in her visual art," said Kathrine Eriksen, Specialist in Modern Art at Bruun Rasmussen. "We’re delighted to be able to offer the work by Tove Jansson during our themed auction focusing on pioneering women artists. In addition to the painting’s obvious artistic qualities, Jansson’s story is highly symptomatic of the destinies of the women that we wish to highlight with the auction. The work bears witness to a time in the late 1930s when Tove Jansson travelled to Paris and was inspired by the French Colourists and Impressionists."