It’s 1921 in Vordingborg, Denmark and the fair is in town. Queues of locals wait for tickets to a pendulum ride - above them the excited shrieks of others. A brightly-dressed performer builds anticipation - her arms outstretched. The good times are palpable on the bright Danish coast.

This vibrant scene by Swedish artist, Gustaf Wolmar, captures the spirit of a fair with expressive brushwork and a warm, harmonious palette. Figures are created with vigour - gestural marks laid down with energy and immediacy. And note the movement, a few clever twists of the brush bringing life to static forms.

Wolmar lived in Vordingborg from around 1917 and he probably took his son, Klas, to this fair. A letter provides further provenance and it’s included with the painting.

Housed within a period frame and signed/dated.

Learn more about Gustaf Wolmar in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 32” x 28” / 81cm x 72cm
Year of creation: 1921
Condition: Overall very presentable. Frame with some age-related wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £1,408 achieved for an oil painting in 1995.