Why Birger Sandzén’s Work Is So Highly Collected

Birger Sandzén (1871–1956), a Swedish-born American painter, is renowned for his bold, expressive landscapes of the American West and Midwest. After emigrating from Sweden, Sandzén settled in Lindsborg, Kansas, where he taught at Bethany College and produced the bulk of his artistic work. His paintings of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Utah canyons, and Kansas’ Smoky Hills are characterized by thick impasto, vivid color palettes, and a style that blends impressionism with early modernism.

Collectors across the country prize Sandzén’s work for its distinctive voice in American regionalist painting. His ties to Kansas and the American West have fostered a particularly strong following in the Midwest, bolstered by the presence of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg.

Notable Birger Sandzén Results at Circle Auction

Circle Auction has handled multiple original oil paintings by Sandzén over the years achieving impressive results for our consignors. Some highlights include (results include buyers premium):

• Cedar and Red Rocks – $130,900
• Gray Day, Logan, Utah (1930) – $46,400
• Utah Farm Barns (1929) – $42,840
• Snow and Sunshine, Boulder, Colorado (1921) – $41,650
• Roses (1915) – $22,600

In addition, we were honored to present the largest single-owner collection of Sandzén prints ever offered at auction.

Types of Sandzén Works We Accept

We welcome all works by Birger Sandzén, including oil paintings, watercolors, lithographs, woodcuts, and linocuts. While we are proud to handle all types of his work, original oils are by far the most valuable.

• Oil Paintings: Lesser-known original oils typically sell between $15,000 and $25,000. Most original oils fall in the $25,000 to $85,000 range, with value influenced by subject matter, time period, size, provenance, and color palette. His most sought-after pieces, often larger and in his signature style, can sell for several hundred thousand dollars. Sandzén’s current auction record exceeds $600,000.
• Prints & Works on Paper: Sandzén’s signed lithographs and woodcuts are widely collected and often sell from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on rarity and condition. We are always interested in evaluating prints from any period of his career.

Why Sellers Choose Circle Auction

Based in Kansas City, less than three hours from Sandzén’s hometown of Lindsborg, Circle Auction is well positioned to connect your artwork with serious collectors. Our team understands the regional significance and national appeal of Sandzén’s work and has a strong track record of achieving top results.

We provide a white-glove consignment process, personalized service, and national marketing reach through online platforms and targeted buyer outreach. Our expertise in fine art and deep knowledge of Sandzén’s market make us a trusted partner when you’re ready to sell.

Get a Free Evaluation for Your Sandzén Artwork

If you own a Birger Sandzén painting or print and are considering selling, we’d love to help. We offer:

• Complimentary auction estimates

• National shipping and logistics assistance

• A track record of strong results

• Personal, no-pressure communication

Use the form on our evalution page (link below) email us at info@circle-auction.com. We’re happy to evaluate pieces from anywhere in the U.S.

Thinking About Selling Your Sandzén Painting?

Get an expert evaluation and let Circle Auction help you reach top collectors who appreciate Sandzén’s bold, unforgettable vision of the American landscape.