Portraits – Page 4 – The Discerning Palette

Showing 91–120 of 315 results

Reclining Figure in Red

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A compelling mid-century modernist abstract figurative composition, painted in oil onto canvas by the established Swedish painter Hans Osswald (1919-1983), whose works have been exhibited at the National Museum in Stockholm, Malmö Museum as well as The Brooklyn Museum.

The painting captures the essence of the human form through a language of bold reduction and tactile surface. A reclining figure emerges from the composition, its contours simplified into rounded, interlocking shapes that suggest the curve of a shoulder, the bend of a hip, and the quiet weight of a resting body. The figure feels both present and elusive – more sensed than precisely defined – inviting the viewer to complete the form through perception.

The style is distinctly modernist, leaning into abstraction while retaining a strong figurative anchor. There is a confident balance between structure and spontaneity: broad planes of colour establish the composition, while energetic, almost impulsive marks disrupt and animate the surface. The artist’s hand is evident throughout, giving the work a raw, expressive immediacy.

The palette is warm and striking, dominated by rich vermilion reds, burnt orange, and deep maroon tones that form a saturated backdrop. Against this, the figure is rendered in creamy, off-white hues, punctuated by flashes of cobalt blue and teal. These cooler accents create visual tension and rhythm, guiding the eye across the composition and adding depth to the otherwise flattened space.

Brushwork is thick and textural, with areas of heavy impasto that catch the light and emphasise the physicality of the paint. Scraped passages and layered strokes contribute to a richly worked surface, where traces of earlier marks remain visible beneath. This layering gives the painting a sense of history and movement, as though the figure has been gradually revealed through successive gestures.

Overall, the piece is a powerful study in form, colour, and material – intimate yet bold, gestural yet composed.

This oil on canvas is presented in a complementary gilt frame that has a gently stepped profile. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has light scuffs.

Size: 73.5 x 53.5 cm (including frame)

Free domestic (UK) shipping. As this artwork is very large, it is unlikely that we will be able to ship it internationally. If you are very interested and are located outside of the UK, please contact us and we will see what we can do.

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The Pair

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A large and very unique mid century modernist oil composition of two figures, painted onto canvas by Swedish painter Hans Osswald (1919-1983), whose works have been exhibited at the National Museum in Stockholm, Malmö Museum as well as The Brooklyn Museum.

The artist has flattened the surface, reducing the figures down into planes of pastel colour, that fit together like a puzzle. The palette is restrained, using a range of light blues, greys and browns. To add depth to the picture, the painting is filled with these vertical patterns, that are almost like seams that open up to reveal layers of colour underneath.

This very interesting composition is unframed but can be hung as is. The painting has some scattered craquelure, commensurate with age. The craquelure does not detract from the overall attractiveness of the piece.

Size: 80 x 60.5 cm

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The Young Guitarist

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An expressive mid-century figurative painting that captures a young male figure absorbed in the act of playing a guitar, executed in oil onto canvas.

Seated in an intimate interior, the figure is portrayed with his head bowed in concentration, creating a sense of quiet introspection and emotional connection to the music. A loosely rendered artwork hangs behind him, reinforcing the creative atmosphere of the scene.

Executed in an expressive modernist style, the composition balances observation with painterly freedom. The artist simplifies forms and contours, allowing colour and gesture to carry much of the emotional weight. The elongated figure and understated facial features lend the work a poetic, contemplative quality.

The palette is warm and luminous, dominated by soft creams, buttery yellows and pale greens. Rich accents of burnt sienna, browns and a striking crimson tie introduce rhythm and contrast, while the golden guitar becomes the visual focal point of the composition. Delicate lavender and grey passages in the background add depth and subtle complexity.

Brushwork is energetic and confident throughout, with visible, gestural strokes that remain spontaneous and expressive. Broad applications of paint define the figure and guitar, while lighter, sketch-like marks animate the background. The result is a work that feels both immediate and intimate, capturing not only the likeness of the sitter but also the mood and quiet intensity of a musician lost in his craft.

This oil on canvas is presented in a complementary wood frame with a gilt outer edge and inner slip, Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 87 x 73 cm (including frame)

Free domestic (UK) shipping. As this artwork is very large, it is unlikely that we will be able to ship it internationally. If you are very interested and are located outside of the UK, please contact us and we will see what we can do.

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What the Mirror Saw

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A quietly arresting figurative painting that captures a fleeting, introspective moment seen through a reflection of a mirror, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1975.

A solitary figure stands before the mirror, partially obscured by reflection and shadow, dissolving into the textured surface of the paint. The viewer becomes part of the act of looking, drawn into the layered spatial tension between the real and the reflected.

The mirror reveals a richly hued interior behind the subject – a warm orange -toned room with a red chair tucked casually to one side – hinting at the domestic life unfolding just beyond view. The cool white wall outside the mirror’s edge contrasts with the golden glow within, creating a striking division between inner and outer worlds.

Executed in a bold, gestural style, the painting features expressive brushstrokes and texture. The palette balances cool with warmer earthy tones, while the confident abstraction of form imbues the scene with both intimacy and ambiguity.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary wood frame. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 53 x 52.5 cm (including frame)

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Where the Sky Deepens

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A soothing and atmospheric large mid-century abstract landscape that distills the essence of an open horizon into a composition of luminous colour and subtle form, executed in oil onto canvas.

The painting evokes a vast expanse of land beneath an immense twilight sky, where a few distant structures or trees punctuate the horizon line, lending a quiet sense of scale and solitude.

Rendered with remarkable restraint, the composition balances broad horizontal bands of colour that suggest fields, water, or mist-covered plains. The simplicity of the scene invites contemplation, allowing the viewer to become immersed in its meditative stillness and expansive sense of space.

The palette is both bold and serene. Deep ultramarine and cobalt blues dominate the upper half of the canvas, creating a rich, velvety sky that contrasts beautifully with the luminous greens below. Layers of mint, jade, seafoam, and pale sage blend softly across the landscape, while subtle grey-green passages introduce depth and atmospheric perspective. The resulting effect is dreamlike and almost otherworldly.

Brushwork is fluid and understated, with thinly applied paint and softly blended transitions that create a sense of movement without disrupting the painting’s calm equilibrium. Horizontal sweeps of the brush reinforce the expansive landscape format, while the few dark forms along the horizon are painted with looser, more gestural strokes that provide visual anchors within the composition.

This large oil on canvas is presented in a complementary slim gilt frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has minor scuffs.

Size: 63 x 76.5 cm (including frame)

Free domestic (UK) shipping. As this artwork is very large, it is unlikely that we will be able to ship it internationally. If you are very interested and are located outside of the UK, please contact us and we will see what we can do.

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Comfort

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An emotive figurative composition capturing an intimate moment between two figures seated side by side on a bench, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 2000.

Through the exploration of abstract and expressive techniques in figurative art, the artwork captures the essence of human connection through gesture, colour, and brushstroke, rather than explicit representation.

The artist, using an expressive style, has purposefully omitted the facial details of the figures, drawing attention to the body language and the emotional connection between the two. One woman has her arm gently around the back of the other, suggesting a sense of comfort.

The painting is characterised by loose, energetic brushwork that brings a dynamic quality to the scene. The limited colour palette, dominated by shades of blue, green, and yellow, creates a harmonious yet vibrant atmosphere.

This oil on canvas is housed in a unique sage green frame with an inner gilt border. Both painting and frame are in excellent condition.

Size: 63 x 72 cm (including frame)

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Winter Light at Dusk

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An evocative mid-century modernist landscape scene with figure, executed in oil onto canvas.

This painting captures a solitary figure standing before a quiet winter landscape as an orange sun dips low against a muted sky. The composition is distilled into simplified geometric forms: angular rooftops, rounded treetops, and broad planes of snow – creating a serene yet contemplative atmosphere.

Rendered in cool tones of slate blue, charcoal, dove grey and icy white, the palette is beautifully punctuated by the warm, amber glow of the setting sun. The artist has used confident, stylised brushstrokes, outlining forms with inky, expressive lines that lend the scene a graphic clarity. Areas of flat colour are softened by subtle modulation, giving depth to the snowy fields and the silhouetted figure.

The overall effect is both still and cinematic: a quiet winter moment reduced to its essential shapes, colours and mood, with a strong sense of restraint and poetic minimalism.

This oil on canvas is housed in a characterful frame with a grey-wash wood grain finish. The painting in good vintage condition overall – with some marks and warp to the canvas.

Size: 78 x 88.5 cm (including frame)

Free domestic (UK) shipping. As this artwork is very large, it is unlikely that we will be able to ship it internationally. If you are very interested and are located outside of the UK, please contact us and we will see what we can do.

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A Stitch in Time

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A beautifully expressive mid-century figurative painting that captures a seated figure absorbed in the careful handling of a piece of white fabric, executed in oil onto

With her head bowed and hands engaged in her work, the figure appears to be sewing, or embroidering, capturing a timeless domestic moment of focus and quiet concentration.

Rendered in a loose, painterly modernist style, the composition balances representation with abstraction. The artist reduces details to confident blocks of colour and energetic brushwork, allowing gesture and mood to take precedence over precise realism. The figure emerges from a largely neutral background, creating a sense of intimacy and drawing the viewer into the quiet rhythm of the activity.

The palette is dominated by soft whites, cool greys, and pale blues, enlivened by vivid passages of crimson, ochre, olive green, and black within the figure’s clothing. These vibrant accents introduce movement and visual interest while maintaining the work’s overall harmony.

Brushstrokes are bold and expressive, ranging from thick impasto applications to quick, sketch-like marks. Layers of broken colour and energetic brushwork create a richly textured surface, lending the painting a sense of immediacy and human warmth. The result is a compelling portrayal of everyday life, elevated through the artist’s sensitive handling of form, colour, and gesture.

This oil on canvas is presented in a refined light linen-lined frame with a slim dark wood outer edge. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has some scuffing.

Size: 78 x 62 cm (including frame)

Free domestic (UK) shipping. As this artwork is very large, it is unlikely that we will be able to ship it internationally. If you are very interested and are located outside of the UK, please contact us and we will see what we can do.

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Garden Celebration

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A charming modernist figurative landscape painting that captures a leisurely outdoor gathering rendered abstractly with an almost dreamlike simplicity, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1971.

Small groups of figures drift through a soft green parkland, framed by loosely painted trees and two tables dressed in pale cloths, each topped with delicately decorated cakes. The scene feels both celebratory and intimate – a fleeting social moment distilled into colour, gesture, and atmosphere.

Executed in a naïve modernist style, the composition embraces spontaneity and abstraction over fine detail. The figures are reduced to simplified silhouettes and expressive blocks of colour, allowing the painting’s mood and rhythm to take precedence. Thick, textural brushstrokes give the work a tactile quality, with heavily layered whites and soft blush pinks contrasting beautifully against lively greens, deep blacks, and accents of crimson, violet, and sky blue.

The palette is airy and optimistic, dominated by fresh spring greens and creamy whites that evoke sunlight filtering across an open lawn. Loose, energetic mark-making throughout the trees and garments creates movement and visual playfulness, while the intentionally sparse background lends the work a quiet poetic openness.

This oil on canvas is presented in a complementary slim silver frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition. The frame has some scuffed areas and minor paint loss, consistent with age.

Size: 36.5 x 42.5 cm (including frame)

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Sunlit Terraces

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A charming painting that captures a clustered arrangement of buildings, their rooftops stepping gently across the composition in a rhythmic, almost conversational way, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1974.

Balconies, chimneys, and terraces overlap in a layered architectural tapestry, while a softly rendered tree in the foreground adds a sense of life and movement. The scene feels intimate and still, suggestive of a warm afternoon where time slows and light lingers.

Executed in a distinctly mid-century modern style, the work leans toward a stylised realism with subtle abstraction. Forms are simplified and slightly geometric, yet retain enough detail to anchor the scene in familiarity. The perspective is intentionally flattened, allowing the buildings to stack decoratively rather than recede deeply into space, giving the composition a pleasing, almost tapestry-like quality.

The colour palette is warm and sun-drenched, dominated by terracotta oranges, sandy beiges, and soft creams, contrasted with muted greys and a cool, textured sky. Pops of turquoise and green in the windows and foliage provide freshness and balance, enlivening the otherwise earthy tones.

Brushstrokes are confident and visible, with a slightly dry, textured application that allows the canvas to breathe through in places. Edges are softly defined rather than sharply outlined, lending the piece a gentle, atmospheric cohesion. The handling of paint – particularly in the sky and foliage – creates a subtle vibrancy, as if the entire scene is lightly shimmering under the sun.

This oil on canvas is presented in a beautiful wood frame finished in a soft, warm cream. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 47.5 x 55.5 cm (including frame)

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A Moment Between Thoughts

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A brilliantly executed mid-century abstract figurative painting that presents a seated female form, distilled into a series of softly interlocking shapes, painted in oil onto canvas and dated 1955.

The figure is poised yet introspective, her posture relaxed with one arm resting gently and the other drawn inward, suggesting a moment of stillness rather than performance. There is an intimacy to the composition: the subject feels both present and slightly withdrawn, as though caught between thought and repose.

Executed in a modernist, semi-abstract style, the artist reduces anatomical detail in favour of structure and tonal harmony. The figure is constructed through broad, simplified planes rather than defined lines, allowing the body to emerge through subtle shifts in colour and form. This approach reflects a quiet confidence: less concerned with realism, and more with capturing essence and mood.

The palette is beautifully muted and earthy, composed of soft greys, warm taupes, olive greens, and dusty blush tones. These colours blend seamlessly into one another, creating a gentle rhythm across the canvas. Occasional deeper accents – charcoal and moss – anchor the composition, giving it depth without disrupting its calm atmosphere.

Brushwork is expressive yet controlled. The paint is applied in confident, painterly strokes, with visible edges that create a patchwork of colour fields. There is a softness to the transitions, but also a deliberate rawness where forms meet, giving the work a tactile, almost sculptural quality. The overall effect is one of sophistication: a contemplative study of form, light, and presence.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary warm wood frame with visible natural grain. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 50 x 39 cm (including frame)

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A Pause Between Places

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A striking mid-century figurative landscape that captures a quiet, contemplative moment at the boundary between nature and the built environment, painted in oil onto board by the established Swedish female artist Brita Hansson (1918-1979).

A group of abstracted figures sit near a winding path, their forms simplified yet expressive, while a pair of stylised trees rise beside them – curving, organic silhouettes that anchor the composition. In the distance, block-like architectural forms suggest a town or cityscape, softened and abstracted to create a sense of calm detachment rather than urban bustle.

Executed in a distinctly mid-century modern idiom, the painting balances figuration and abstraction with ease. The artist has used flattened planes, rhythmic shapes, and a gently asymmetrical composition to guide the eye through the scene. There is a lyrical, almost poetic quality to the arrangement, where figures, trees, and buildings coexist in quiet harmony.

The palette is warm and nuanced, featuring soft creams, sandy beiges, pale blues, and blush tones, punctuated by deeper earthy browns, rust reds, olive greens, and muted teals. These contrasting yet harmonious colours lend the work both warmth and depth, while maintaining a light, airy atmosphere.

Confident, visible brushstrokes define the surface, with areas of loose, gestural paint layered against more opaque, block-like applications. Subtle scraping and overlaps reveal underlayers of colour, adding texture and movement. The painterly approach enhances the sense of spontaneity and modernist freedom characteristic of mid-century works.

This oil on board is housed in a well-suited wood frame with an inner gilt window. The painting is in very good vintage condition. There is a slight unevenness to the board but this is purely structural and does not affect the stability or visual impact of the artwork.

Size: 57.5 x 70 cm (including frame)

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At the Counter

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A large and compelling mid century modernist abstract figurative composition in oil, painted onto board by Swedish painter Hans Osswald (1919-1983), whose works have been exhibited at the National Museum in Stockholm, Malmö Museum as well as The Brooklyn Museum.

The scene captures three stylised figures possibly engaged in an exchange at the checkout – a familiar ritual rendered with striking simplicity and emotional weight.

The central figure, dressed in black, appears to be a shopper in mid-transaction, while the figure in pale blue behind the counter suggests a cashier. A third, more ambiguously defined figure stands nearby, perhaps another customer or a child. The figures are abstracted, skilfully reduced to essential shapes.

Thick impasto brushstrokes and rich textural layering give the work a tactile presence. The palette is earthy and architectural – orange, muted greens, brick reds, and cool greys – punctuated by flashes of white, lemon yellow, and cobalt blue, adding moments of vibrancy to the otherwise grounded tones.

The composition is rhythmic and architectural, with geometric planes converging to form an abstracted treatment of space and perspective. The flattened forms and overlapping fields of colour speak to the artist’s modernist sensibility — elevating the ordinary to the iconic.

This oil on board is housed in a complementary wood frame with an inner linen lining. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has some scuffing.

Size: 86.5 x 71.5 cm (including frame)

Free domestic (UK) shipping. As this artwork is very large, it is unlikely that we will be able to ship it internationally. If you are very interested and are located outside of the UK, please contact us and we will see what we can do.

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Bath Time

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A mid-century modernist style figurative painting that depicts a nude female figure by a bathtub, executed in oil onto canvas.

The subject is captured from the back, partially turned, evoking an intimate moment. Her posture suggests relaxation, and the towel she holds adds a subtle narrative, hinting at either preparation for or completion of bathing.

Modernist in its ethos with abstract qualities, there is a focus on the interaction between colour and form as opposed to realistic details. Through the use of a restrained palette and expressive brushwork, the artist has skilfully deconstructed the subject and background into simplified planes and shapes.

The colour palette is cool and harmonious, dominated by shades of blues, white and peach. These colours establish a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

The brushwork is loose and painterly, with visible strokes that emphasise light texture and movement. The background is rendered in an abstract manner, with vertical strokes wonderfully blending into one another.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary gilt frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has minor scuffs.

Size: 35.5 x 40 cm (including frame)

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Harvest Under the Canopy

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A rich and striking striking mid-century modernist figurative landscape composition, painted in oil and gouache by the established Swedish female artist Brita Hansson (1918-1979).

A group of figures is gathered beneath a grove of robust, twisting trees – likely harvesters at rest or mid-task, surrounded by produce and market crates. The scene hums with life, captured in abstracted yet recognisable forms. Deep blues, earthy reds, browns, and forest greens dominate the palette, contrasted with striking patches of orange and golden yellow that suggest dappled sunlight filtering through foliage.

Painted in a bold, modernist style, the figures and environment are rendered with broad, expressive brushstrokes and geometric abstraction. The trees form powerful vertical rhythms while the figures, draped in rich fabrics, add weight and grounded intimacy to the scene. The brushwork is confident and gestural, emphasising mass and movement rather than realistic detail – imbuing the painting with a sense of warmth.

This oil and gouache on paper has been mounted onto board, and is housed in a complementary wood frame with an inner gilt window. There is a tiny bit of craquelure present in the middle tree but the paint layer is stable, and the painting is in good vintage condition overall.

Size: 62.5 x 75 cm (including frame)

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Mediterranean Rooftops

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A mid-century painting that captures the sunlit charm of a coastal Mediterranean village, where whitewashed houses rise in layered planes against the calm backdrop of the sea, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1968.

The subject matter focuses on architectural forms – flat rooftops, arched facades, and shaded recesses – simplified into interlocking blocks of light and shadow. A few dark accents of trees break the uniformity of white, grounding the composition with contrast.

Painted in a modernist style, the work emphasizes structure and atmosphere over detail, with an almost abstract quality to the geometry of the buildings. The palette is restrained, dominated by soft whites, pale greys, and cool sky blues, punctuated by deep green-blacks that suggest foliage.

The brushstrokes are broad, fluid, and confident, applied in sweeping motions that suggest light glancing across plaster walls. Layers of paint overlap loosely, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, while still retaining a balance of form and rhythm. The overall effect is serene yet dynamic – an evocative study of place through shape, tone, and atmosphere.

This oil on canvas is presented in a complementary gilt frame. There is a small indentation to the canvas on the top half, otherwise the painting is in good vintage condition. The frame has some scuffs.

Size: 49 x 56 cm (including frame)

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Moonrise with Yellow Cup

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A quiet and introspective mid-century modernist figurative painting, executed in oil onto canvas by the established Swedish artist Fabian Lundqvist (1913-1989), whose works have been represented in many public collections in Sweden.

A solitary figure stands silhouetted against a dusky ochre sky, bathed in the stillness of twilight. A full, pale moon hangs suspended in the background, casting a quiet presence over a geometric urban landscape rendered in rich, earthen browns and shadowy forms.

The central figure, wears a softly patterned yellow garment that glows against the muted backdrop. Her jet-black hair is stark and angular, echoing the blocky architecture behind her. A small yellow cup, almost symbolic, rests at the bottom edge – a tender detail that anchors the composition with quiet intimacy.

Executed in a restrained palette of warm browns, creams, ochres, and charcoal, the painting features smooth, matte brushwork and soft, flat colour fields, characteristic of post-war European modernism. The artist’s style is contemplative and distilled, evoking introspection and a serene, poetic stillness.

This oil on canvas is housed in a very well-suited silver frame with an inner linen border. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 54.5 x 62.5 cm (including frame)

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Picnic Under the Pines

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A mid-century figurative painting that captures a lively outdoor gathering beneath two abstracted pine trees, rendered in bold, expressive forms, and painted in oil onto board by the established Swedish female artist Brita Hansson (1918-1979).

At the center of the composition, a group of stylised figures sits together on what appears to be a picnic blanket, sharing a meal or conversation. Their forms are simplified yet evocative, outlined with fluid, gestural lines that emphasise connection and warmth.

Executed in a semi-abstract style, the painting merges figuration with vivid blocks of colour and dynamic compositional geometry. The palette features warm orange, deep forest greens, and rich reds, offset by cool blues and white negative space that lends the work a breezy openness. The brushwork is broad and textured, revealing the artist’s confident hand and intuitive layering of paint.

The overall effect is one of spontaneous joy and sunlit nostalgia—an ode to communal leisure in nature, filtered through the lens of modernist abstraction.

This oil on board is housed in a complementary gilt frame. The painting is in execllent vintage condition, and the frame has very minor scuffs.

Size: 54 x 66.5 cm (including frame)

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Seated in Stillness

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An evocative modernist abstract painting that captures a contemplative figure rendered in bold, gestural strokes, painted in mixed media and dated 1973.

The subject is positioned frontally, seated against a patchwork of abstracted colour fields that imply an interior setting. A vivid orange dominates the figure’s body, outlined with raw yellow and offset by angular shadows in brown, crimson, and white. A striking cobalt blue cloth or object at the figure’s feet anchors the composition with a surprising burst of contrast.

Executed in a distinctly modernist style, the work fuses figurative expression with abstraction. The brushwork is confident and layered, with rough, visible strokes and a painterly energy that emphasises emotional form over anatomical precision. The background moves from a cool, washed green to blocks of saturated red and earthy brown, creating tension and spatial ambiguity.

Overall, the painting presents a powerful study in isolation, colour, and raw human presence.

This mixed media on card is presented within a white mount and a gilt frame, and is glazed (there is a layer of glass between the frame and the painting to ensure its longevity). The painting has some craquelure present, but its overall condition is stable as it is framed behind glass.

Size: 63.5 x 55 cm (including frame)

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The Little Readers

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A charming mid-century figurative painting that depicts two seated children captured in a quiet, introspective moment, executed in oil onto board.

Positioned side by side, the pair are rendered with simplified features and slightly elongated forms, creating a tender sense of stillness and emotional connection. One child gently holds an open book across their lap, while the other sits patiently nearby, their expressions subdued and thoughtful.

Painted in an expressive modernist style, the composition leans into mood and character rather than realism. The artist uses soft distortions, minimal facial detailing, and loose outlines to evoke innocence and vulnerability. The muted palette of smoky greys, earthy browns, charcoal tones, dusty rose, olive green and touches of brown contributes to the painting’s gentle, nostalgic atmosphere.

The brushwork is textured and gestural, with layered strokes and areas of dry-brushed paint adding depth and movement across the surface. The children’s clothing is suggested through confident, painterly marks, while the softly blended background allows the figures to quietly emerge from the composition.

This oil on board is presented in a wood frame with a softly textured silvered finish that beautifully complements the muted tones of the artwork The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has some slight paint losses, but this is consistent with age and does not detract from its overall appearance.

Size: 38.5 x 29 cm (including frame)

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Two at Play

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A brilliantly executed mid-century modernist abstract figurative composition, painted in oil onto canvas by the established Swedish painter Hans Osswald (1919-1983), whose works have been exhibited at the National Museum in Stockholm, Malmö Museum as well as The Brooklyn Museum.

This charming painting captures a quiet, intimate moment between two children, absorbed in a shared task. One stands steady while the other bends slightly forward, both focused on lifting or holding a soft, ambiguous form between them – perhaps a cushion, or an object of play. Their faceless forms heighten the universality of the scene, allowing the viewer to project their own memories of childhood connection and curiosity.

Rendered in a distinctly modernist style, the composition is pared back to essential shapes and gestures. The figures are outlined through simplified silhouettes, with an intentional absence of facial detail that shifts emphasis to posture and interaction. The background dissolves into abstract patches of colour, suggesting an environment rather than defining it – echoing influences of mid-century European modernism with a playful, almost childlike sensibility.

The palette is fresh and uplifting, dominated by soft greens, turquoise blues, and warm earthy tones. The contrast between the cool, airy background and the warmer clothing of the figures creates a gentle visual rhythm. Subtle, irregular streaks and patches of colour are scattered across the surface, adding movement and a sense of spontaneity.

Brushstrokes are confident yet unrefined, applied in flat, matte blocks with visible texture from the canvas beneath. There is a rawness to the application – edges are imperfect, transitions are abrupt – which lends the piece its authenticity and expressive charm. The painting feels both deliberate and instinctive, embodying the spirit of mid-century abstraction where form, colour, and emotion take precedence over realism.

This oil on canvas is presented in a frame that features a slim profile with a soft, brushed gold finish. The painting is in good vintage condition overall: there are some marks present on the surface of the painting. There is also a very small dent to the top right edge, along with scuffing to the frame.

Size: 83 x 63 cm (including frame)

Free domestic (UK) shipping. As this artwork is very large, it is unlikely that we will be able to ship it internationally. If you are very interested and are located outside of the UK, please contact us and we will see what we can do.

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Circle of Light

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An endearing and uplifting mid-century figurative landscape that captures a moment of shared presence, as a group of simplified figures stand hand-in-hand and appear to be dancing in a circular formation, executed in oil onto board.

At the centre, a vivid burst of yellow – suggestive of sheaves of wheat or a glowing harvest bundle – anchors the composition, radiating warmth. Above, small birds in flight animate the sky, adding a sense of movement and freedom.

Rendered in a distinctly modernist, almost naïve style, the figures are intentionally reduced to essential forms. The colour palette is bold and expressive: saturated yellows and greens dominate the foreground, conveying warmth and vitality, while deep blues and teals in the sky and garments provide a cooling counterbalance. Subtle pink tones for the faces introduce a human softness, gently breaking the graphic simplicity.

Brushwork is loose and confident, with visible, sweeping strokes that give the painting a tactile, almost rhythmic quality. The layering of paint – particularly in the sky and fields – adds depth and movement, while the central yellow form is applied more thickly, enhancing its visual prominence.

This oil on board is presented in a complementary warm, natural wood frame. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 63 x 63 cm (including frame)

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Geometric Duo

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An outstanding geometric abstract figurative composition that explores the interplay between form, colour, and perspective, exeucted in iol onto canvas.

Two figures stand in opposite direction against a backdrop of meticulously arranged geometric abstraction, and their forms have also been deconstructed down to angular shapes.

The geometric shapes composing the figures and backdrop interlock like pieces of a puzzle. Each shape contributes to the overall composition, its placement and colour carefully considered to achieve balance and cohesion.

The composition is a symphony of muted pastel hues – soft sage greens, mustard yellows, tranquil blues, delicate pinks, subtle greys, and warm peach. These colours contrast seamlessly, imbuing the composition with a serene and very pleasant feel.

This oil on stretched canvas comes unframed but can be hung as is, and is in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 41 x 33 cm (including frame)

The sculpture seen in the photos is also available to purchase and details can be viewed here.

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Silver Moon Folktale

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This 1970s textile artwork is a captivating handwoven tapestry that merges myth, fantasy, and modern abstraction into a richly coloured composition typical of Scandinavian textile art from the era.

At its centre stands a regal female figure — possibly a queen or an ethereal spirit — distinguished by her long flowing blue gown, slender form, and small golden crown. Her dark hair and serene, pale face draw the eye immediately, creating a striking focal point amidst the surrounding geometry of colour. She appears to stand on a circular stage or pedestal, her form tapering elegantly as it rises, evoking both poise and stillness.

Above her, a luminous sphere — perhaps a moon or an orb of light — glows softly, while behind her, a tapestry of vertical colour blocks in purples, blues, and greens forms an abstract forest or curtain-like backdrop. The angular, overlapping shapes lend the piece a rhythmic sense of movement and depth, as if the scene is unfolding in a dreamlike theatre.

The palette — a harmony of cool blues, violets, teals, and greens — creates a mystical, nocturnal atmosphere, enhanced by the softness of the woven texture. Mounted on a light linen backing, the work feels both structured and ethereal.

This tapestry beautifully embodies the 1970s Nordic modernist aesthetic — combining storytelling and symbolism with bold design and craftsmanship. The result is an enchanting, almost fairy-tale-like image that feels timeless, mysterious, and quietly majestic.

This vintage tapestry remains in very good condition. It is mounted onto fabric lined board, and is ready to hang. The needlepoint is very slightly irregular, which is typical for handmade or traditionally textile pieces, adding to its authenticity and charm.

Size: 33.5 x 27 cm

To view more vintage textiles in our collection, click here. The rug clamps as seen in this photo will be removed before delivery. If you would like to purchase these bronze clamps you can do so here.

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Autumn Meadow

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An energetic mid-century composition that captures a serene autumnal landscape with a bold, expressive hand, executed in oil onto board.

In the foreground, a textured grey-and-moss-green boulder anchors the scene beside the slender trunk of a tree, its bark rendered in rich browns and greens. Beyond, a sweep of pale golden grass opens into a stand of trees, their foliage glowing in autumnal shades, set against the deep forest green of distant conifers. The sky above is a tapestry of soft sage and buttery yellows, painted in horizontal strokes that evoke a gentle, crisp light.

Executed in a post-impressionist style, the artist has used thick, confident brushstrokes laid in distinct, visible blocks of colour, giving the scene a rhythmic energy and tactile depth. The harmonious yet vibrant palette conveys both the warmth of early autumn and the cool undertones of the season’s approach.

This oil on board is housed in a complementary wide wooden frame with an inner linen border. Both painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 61 x 70 cm (including frame)

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Abstracted Presence

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A striking mid-century modernist abstract figurative composition, painted in oil onto canvas by the established Swedish painter Hans Osswald (1919-1983), whose works have been exhibited at the National Museum in Stockholm, Malmö Museum as well as The Brooklyn Museum.

The painting presents a loosely defined human form, distilled into bold, expressive shapes. The figure emerges through a careful balance of abstraction and suggestion – its head and torso implied through layered blocks rather than precise lines, inviting the viewer to interpret posture and presence rather than fixed identity.

The composition is anchored by a warm, radiant palette. Rich browns and golden yellows dominate the background, evoking warmth and light, while deep charcoal and inky black forms carve out the silhouette. Soft passages of cream and off-white sweep across the figure, creating contrast and a sense of movement. A muted blush and earthy rose tone subtly punctuate the composition, adding depth and a quiet emotional resonance.

The brushwork is confident and gestural, with visible strokes that vary from broad, matte swathes to more textured, layered applications. Some areas reveal dry-brush techniques, allowing the underlayers to breathe through, while others are more densely applied, giving weight and structure. The interplay between rough and refined surfaces enhances the tactile quality of the piece.

This oil on canvas is presented in a frame that features a slim profile with a soft, brushed gold finish. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and there are some scuffs to the corners of the frame.

Size: 84 x 63.5 cm (including frame)

Free domestic (UK) shipping. As this artwork is very large, it is unlikely that we will be able to ship it internationally. If you are very interested and are located outside of the UK, please contact us and we will see what we can do.

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Montage

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A unique elongated and narrow semi-abstract figurative composition, executed in oil onto canvas.

Reminiscent of a film strip or photo montage, the painting has been divided into half. The artwork features a semi-abstract figure of a woman depicted twice, once in the top half and again in the bottom half, standing in a similar pose.

The top half of the painting presents the woman amidst lighter shades, creating a subtle yet noticeable contrast with the lower half where slightly darker shades prevail. Between the two renditions of the female figure, a beige colour block acts as a divider, enhancing the montage-like effect.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary black-painted wood frame. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 101.5 x 33 cm (including frame)

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Portrait of a Troubled Soul

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This mid-century expressive and emotive oil portrait delves into the depths of the human psyche with an intriguing depiction of a male figure in a brown shirt.

The face of the figure appears slightly distorted, contributing to an atmosphere of unease and ambiguity. Through the semi-abstract portrayal, the artist captures the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotions and thoughts.

The painting’s expressive brushwork is forceful and emotive, adding layers of intensity to the composition. Reminiscent of the works of Irish-born British figurative painter Francis Bacon (1909-1992), the piece explores themes of inner turmoil.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary gilt frame. The painting has light craquelure at its top right section but the paint layer is stable. The frame edges have some losses but this is in keeping with its overall distressed vintage style.

Size: 65.5 x 54 cm (including frame)

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Seaside Passage

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A striking modernist style coastal landscape with figure oil painting, by Swedish artist Eric Elfvén (1921–2008), whose works have been exhibited in public collections including the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Jönköping Museum, Borås Art Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The painting presents a solitary figure walking through an archway toward a sunlit terrace overlooking the sea. The composition is rendered in bold, flattened planes of colour – sand, blue, soft cream, and oceanic blue – evoking both architectural space and emotional stillness.

The artist has used a minimalist palette and simplified forms to reduce the scene to its essential elements, allowing light and shadow to define the narrative. Brushstrokes are broad and deliberate, with slight texture in the ground planes suggesting the warmth of a Mediterranean setting. This evocative work captures a fleeting, almost cinematic moment of solitude and transition.

This oil on board is housed in a complementary gilt frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition. The frame has some scuffs at its corners.

Size: 40 x 48 cm (including frame)

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Woman in Repose

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A small yet very impactful mid century abstract figurative oil composition, by the established Swedish artist Ivar Morsing (1919-2009), whose works have been exhibited in public collections including the National Museum in Stockholm, Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Kalmar Museum, and Jönköping Museum.

The painting captures the delicate stillness of a seated female figure through a haze of muted earth tones and gestural brushwork. The composition is softened by a palette of dark green, cream, dusty rose, black, and pale blue, evoking a dreamlike ambiance.

The figure, loosely rendered, appears to be draped in a light dress, reclining against an abstracted backdrop that hints at foliage or stone. The artist has used confident, impressionistic strokes to blur the boundaries between subject and setting, allowing light and shadow to dissolve form. The painter’s technique embraces abstraction, with layered brushwork and softened edges creating an evocative play between motion and stillness.

This oil on board is housed in a complementary wide profile gilt frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition. There are some very minor scuffs to the frame, but it is in very good condition overall.

Size: 36 x 32.5 cm (including frame)

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