Figures in Passage

An evocative and striking mid-century modernist figurative painting, executed in oil onto board  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 composition presents four elongated, abstracted human figures, rendered with a bold economy of form. The figures stand in two pairs, separated by a vertical division, suggesting the architectural framing of a corridor, doorway, or transitional space. Faces are minimally defined, with the emphasis placed instead on geometric blocks of colour to articulate torsos, limbs, and garments.

The artist has used a restrained yet warm palette of browns, burnt sienna, cream, slate blue, teal, and deep black, offset by lighter grey and beige backgrounds. These tones are arranged in strong, vertical segments, lending a rhythmic, almost sculptural quality to the composition.

Broad, confident brushstrokes, laden with texture, create a tactile surface where each mark remains visible, emphasising the physical act of painting. The layering of paint and interplay between light and dark areas add depth and contrast, while the simplification of form gives the work a timeless, almost archetypal presence.

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

Size:  30 x 50.5 cm (including frame)