George Lagerstedt (1892-1982)

A Swedish painter and illustrator, Lagerstedt was born in Agunnaryd, Kronoberg County.  He studied at the Gothenburg museum painting school and the School of Fine Arts, where he studied under Gunnar Hallström, Anders Trulsson and Axel Erdmann. After military service in the First World War he continued his studies in Copenhagen. He travelled south in the company of fellow painters Torsten Palm, Hugo Zuhr and Sixten Lundbohmsvägen, painting intensively in Spain and Morocco, and in Paris under André Lhote. After his first show in Stockholm in 1921, he held ten solo exhibitions and participated in additional seventy exhibitions in Sweden and abroad. Lagerstedt became one of Sweden's most sought after illustrators and cartoonists with a speciality in sporting subjects.1 -  ‘The Jubilee Singers’ Oil on canvas 50cms x 60cms, Signed and dated ‘Coloseum, London, 1924’

The Fisk Jubilee Singers are an African-American a cappella ensemble, consisting of students at Fisk University. The first group was organized in 1871 to tour and raise funds for college. Their early repertoire consisted mostly of traditional spirituals, but included some Stephen Foster songs. The original group toured along the Underground Railroad path in the United States, as well as performing in England and Europe. In 2002 the Library of Congress honored their 1909 recording of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" by adding it in the United States National Recording Registry. In 2008 they were awarded a National Medal of Arts.

‘Variety’, July 1st 1924 reported  that the ’… Jubilee Singers, four men and a woman, harmonizing minus instrumental accompaniment, were accorded substantial applause.’

2 - ‘The Boxing Match’ Oil on canvas  81cms x 65cms Signed and dates 1929

Exhibited Los Angeles Olympic Games 1932

Art competitions formed part of the modern Olympic Games during its early years, from 1912 to 1948. The competitions were part of the original intention of the Olympic Movement's founder, Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin. Medals were awarded for works of art inspired by sport, divided into five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture.

The juried art competitions were abandoned in 1954 because artists were considered to be professionals, while Olympic athletes were required to be amateurs. Since 1956, the Olympic cultural programme has taken their place.