Harbour Stillness

A serene mid-century painting that captures a quiet harbour scene where two small sailboats rest gently on calm, reflective waters, painted in oil onto board in 1942 by the established Swedish artist Richard Björklund (1897–1974), whose works have been exhibited in public collections including the National Museum in Stockholm, Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Malmo Museum, Ystads Art Museum, and others.

The composition is pared back and contemplative: boats sit low in the foreground, their slender masts rising vertically and echoed in the soft, rippling reflections below. Beyond them, a simplified shoreline unfolds in horizontal bands, punctuated by a small white structure and subtle architectural hints, evoking a sunlit coastal setting at rest.

The style is distinctly mid-century modern, leaning toward abstraction with a strong emphasis on form reduction and spatial harmony. Perspective is flattened, and depth is suggested through layered planes rather than strict realism. The artist has embraced a minimalist approach, allowing negative space and quiet geometry to guide the eye.

The colour palette is beautifully restrained and harmonious:soft blues, muted aquas, sandy browns, and warm creams dominate the scene. These tones gently contrast and blend, creating a tranquil, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The water mirrors these hues with delicate variations, enhancing the sense of stillness.

Brushstrokes are loose yet intentional, with visible, confident applications of paint. The surface shows subtle texture, particularly in the water and sky, where strokes move fluidly and horizontally. Edges are softened and forms are simplified, giving the work an airy, lyrical quality.

This oil on board is presented in an elegant wood frame with a warm, brushed gold and silver finish, and a gently stepped profile with subtle ridging. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition. 

Size: 42.5 x 50.5 cm (including frame)