Sculpture "Per Andersson"

"Per Andersson" by Erik Rafael Rådberg

The artist Erik Rafael Rådberg is primarily known for his portrait work, although he also created a number of free-standing sculptures. As a pupil of Christian Eriksson, he continued in a realist tradition well suited to the portrait genre. This is evident in the bust depicting Director Per Andersson (1861–1942).

Per Andersson moved to Arvika from Gunnarskog in 1884 and started a small workshop business. Five years later, he founded what would become the town’s major industrial enterprise – Arvika Verken (today Volvo CE). In addition to being a skilled industrialist, Andersson was deeply engaged in the local municipal affairs of Arvika. The proposal to commission Rådberg to sculpt a portrait bust of Andersson was submitted to the city council in 1941. The monument, which was unveiled the following year, was intended as a token of gratitude from the community in which Andersson had been active throughout his life.

Artist: Erik Rafael Rådberg

Erik Rafael Rådberg was a sculptor and interior architect from Kristinehamn. He studied under Christian Eriksson at the Artists’ Association School in Stockholm. As a sculptor, he devoted himself primarily to portraiture but also worked as a medallist.