Malte Nyberg-Tolf, African Tribal Dance, 1950s, Oil on Panel

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A rare and captivating original modernist oil painting on board by the listed swedish modernist jan malte nyberg-tolf (1929–2013). Known … Read more A rare and captivating original modernist oil painting on board by the listed swedish modernist jan malte nyberg-tolf (1929–2013). Known for his vibrant color palettes and expressive, romantic brushwork, this particular piece represents an incredibly rare and sought-after motif from nyberg-tolf’s highly celebrated african period. Moving away from his more common late-career abstract works, this painting features a dynamic, rhythmic composition of a tribal community dancing, captured in deep, earth-toned ochres and striking blue-grey silhouettes.

born in ångermanland, sweden, malte nyberg-tolf studied at the prestigious konstfack (university college of arts, crafts and design) in stockholm before enrolling at the legendary painting school of iván grünewald (son of isaac grünewald).

in 1955, nyberg-tolf embarked on a life-changing journey to africa to accompany his wife, gunilla norell, who had accepted a weaving teaching post in pretoria, south africa. It was here that he held his official debut exhibition. Deeply inspired by the continent's light, movement, and culture, he returned to africa in 1957–1958 on an arts scholarship, exploring sudan and egypt.

the raw energy, traditional dances, and visual landscapes of africa left a permanent mark on his artistic soul. Throughout the mid-century era, he translated these profound memories onto canvas. His african works are historically significant and have been the subject of academic art history studies at umeå university in sweden.

this is a powerful, investment-worthy statement piece that effortlessly bridges scandinavian modernism with global cultural expression.

artist: malte nyberg-tolf (1929–2013)
year: the era when the painting was produced can not be certained
motif: african scene with a dancing tribal group
origin: sweden
style: modernism
medium: oil on panel
signature: signed nyberg-tolf
image size: 70 × 49.5 cm (27.6 × 19.5 in)
framed size: 77 × 56 cm (30.3 × 22.0 in)
depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)
weight: 1.55 kg
condition: good vintage condition
additional note: the reverse bears the handwritten ownership inscription “tillhör vera dahlgren 1/12 2001” (“owned by vera dahlgren 1 december 2001”), vera was an artist from the same region as malte. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less