Nordiska Spelen 1917

This is an original, genuine poster issued to promote the 1917 Nordic Games in Stockholm. Designed by Gunnar Widholm, a sports cartoonist during the 1912 Stockholm Olympics who later became an international newspaper cartoonist, this poster features an image of a man skiing downhill that was also made into a bronze medal for the Nordic Games.

The Nordic Games, organized by Swedish officer General Viktor Gustaf Balck (1844-1928; "the father of Swedish sport"), were a predecessor to the Winter Olympic Games. First held in 1901 and subsequently in 1903 and 1905, the games took place every four years until 1926. The event showcased a variety of activities, including skiing, skating, ice yachting, hockey, and horseback riding. Initially intended to be held in different parts of the region, the games eventually took place only in Sweden and are considered a forerunner to the Olympic Winter Games.

The poster is in good condition with some restoration: replaced losses, repaired tears, creases, and overpainting in the margins and along vertical and horizontal folds. There is some discoloration in the margins and along the folds. Despite these minor imperfections, the poster would look stunning on the wall and is a very rare find!