In Spring 2026, Phillips will present The Collection of Ambassador John. L. Loeb Jr., a landmark auction series of 150 artworks from what has been recognised as one of the most important private collections of Danish art.
During his time as the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark in the early-1980s, The Honorable John. L. Loeb Jr. amassed a significant collection of Danish art, now considered to be the largest in the world outside of Danish museums.
Masterpieces by Vilhelm Hammershøi alongside works by Bertha Wegmann, P. S. Krøyer, Anna Ancher and more all feature, and the auction series – which will be hosted in Phillips’ London and New York salerooms – is expected to realise in excess of $12 million.
To celebrate the auction, a selection of works from the collection will be unveiled in Copenhagen on 28 January at The Erichsen Mansion. This exhibition, by appointment only, will kick off the world tour across Gstaad, St. Moritz, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Los Angeles, with full pre-sale exhibitions taking place in London and New York in advance of the auctions.
Highlights of the sale include:
- Vilhelm Hammershøi, Interior with Windsor Chair, 1913. Estimate: $2,500,000-3,500,000
- S. Krøyer, Self-Portrait, Sitting by His Easel at Skagen Beach, 1902. Estimate: $300,000-500,000
- Bertha Wegmann, A Young Woman, Marie Triepcke, Sitting in a Boat, circa 1884. Estimate: £150,000 – 200,000
- Anna Ancher, Young Girl Reading a Letter, 1902. Estimate: £30,000-50,000
Jeremiah Evarts, Phillips’ Deputy Chairman, Americas and Senior International Specialist, Modern & Contemporary Art, said, “Ambassador Loeb’s discerning eye and deep appreciation for Danish culture have resulted in a collection of extraordinary depth and sensitivity. His commitment to championing Danish art, particularly the quietly radical work of Vilhelm Hammershøi, has helped bring renewed global attention to a school of painting that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. Phillips is honoured to act as a steward for this collection and contribute to the evolving dialogue around Danish art and its enduring relevance.”
For further information: phillips.com
Image: P. S. Krøyer (1851–1909), Self-Portrait, Sitting by His Easel at Skagen Beach (Selvportræt, siddende ved staffeliet på Skagens strand), signed, partially titled and dated “SKrøyer Skagen1902” lower right, oil on panel, 21 1/4 x 17 7/8 in. (54 x 45.4 cm). Painted in 1902. ESTIMATE: $300,000–500,000. To be Offered in the Evening Sale of Modern & Contemporary Art, May 2026, New York
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