Maris

A enigmatic figurative oil painting that presents a striking, abstracted portrait of a lone figure, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1978.

The subject is rendered with elongated, geometric features, their pale face standing starkly against a moody, layered background. The figure’s hair, painted in a deep, earthy rust-red, frames the face and flows downward, anchoring the composition.

The style is boldly modernist, with an emphasis on simplified forms and blocks of colour rather than fine detail. The palette is restrained yet atmospheric: muted blue-greys dominate the ground, offset by the ochre-yellow of the garment and the rusty red of the hair. Subtle tonal variations and visible brushstrokes add texture and depth, giving the surface a raw, tactile quality.

The brushwork is expressive and confident, with layered strokes that reveal the artist’s hand. Shadows and planes of colour are suggested rather than fully defined, creating a sense of mystery and introspection. The overall impression is one of quiet strength and contemplative stillness, in keeping with the aesthetics of mid-century abstraction.

This oil on canvas is presented in a complementary slim wood frame. Both painting and frame are in good vintage condition.

Size:  42.5 x 33.5 cm (including frame)