Figure and Flowers

A serene mid-century modernist style painting that depicts a quiet, intimate interior moment, executed in oil onto board and dated 1953.

A female figure is seated at a table, deeply focused on her hands as she works or writes. She wears a white headscarf and a pale blue dress, her posture soft and contemplative. To her right, a simple vase holds two vivid red-orange flowers, their petals dramatically fanned and adding a lively burst of colour to the otherwise serene setting. A closed book rests on the table, anchoring the composition with a sense of stillness and domestic quiet.

Executed in a distinctly mid-century modernist style, the work embraces simplified geometric forms, muted planes of colour, and a strong sense of design. The artist has reduced detail to essentials, relying on shape and tonal relationships to describe space and figure. The overall aesthetic is minimal, balanced, and quietly poetic.

The palette is soft and harmonious: cool greys, pale blues, cream, soft yellow and muted greens form the foundation of the room and figure. These gentle tones are beautifully contrasted by the bold, saturated reds and oranges of the flowers, giving the composition a striking focal point without overwhelming its calm mood.

Brushwork is smooth, controlled, and deliberate, with flat, even applications of paint that emphasise form over texture. Edges are clean and slightly softened, contributing to the painting’s gentle, contemplative atmosphere.

This oil on board is presented in a complementary wood frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has some scuffs. 

Size:  54 x 65 cm (including frame)