Quiet Readers

A serene and beautifully distilled mid-century modernist figurative painting, executed in oil onto board by the established Swedish artist Ingvar Elén (1915–1973), whose artworks have represented in public collections including the the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, the National Museum in Sweden, and the Sörmlands Museum.

This composition features three seated figures, their forms reduced to soft geometric shapes and gentle interlocking silhouettes. Arranged in a subtle diagonal rhythm, the trio appears absorbed in quiet, individual focus: one reading, the others seated nearby – capturing a moment of shared stillness without explicit interaction.

The artist has relied on flattened planes of colour and carefully balanced tones to define each figure: warm peach, deep teal, olive green, charcoal grey, ochre, and soft clay-like browns. The palette is harmonious and understated, allowing the shapes and spatial arrangement to take centre stage. Their shadows and clothing become abstract colour blocks, lending the work a sculptural, almost collage-like quality.

Brushwork is smooth, matte, and subtly textured, with edges that are softened rather than sharply drawn. This creates a calm, meditative surface where each figure is distinct yet integrated into the overall rhythm of the composition.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary slim gilt frame. The painting is in good vintage condition overall: there is some craquelure visible on the central figure’s arm, however, the paint layer remains stable, and this does not detract from the overall presentation of the work.

Size: 74.5 x 88 cm (including frame)