Reclining Figure in Red

A compelling mid-century modernist abstract figurative composition, painted in oil onto canvas by the established Swedish painter Hans Osswald (1919-1983), whose works have been exhibited at the National Museum in Stockholm, Malmö Museum as well as The Brooklyn Museum.

The painting captures the essence of the human form through a language of bold reduction and tactile surface. A reclining figure emerges from the composition, its contours simplified into rounded, interlocking shapes that suggest the curve of a shoulder, the bend of a hip, and the quiet weight of a resting body. The figure feels both present and elusive – more sensed than precisely defined – inviting the viewer to complete the form through perception.

The style is distinctly modernist, leaning into abstraction while retaining a strong figurative anchor. There is a confident balance between structure and spontaneity: broad planes of colour establish the composition, while energetic, almost impulsive marks disrupt and animate the surface. The artist’s hand is evident throughout, giving the work a raw, expressive immediacy.

The palette is warm and striking, dominated by rich vermilion reds, burnt orange, and deep maroon tones that form a saturated backdrop. Against this, the figure is rendered in creamy, off-white hues, punctuated by flashes of cobalt blue and teal. These cooler accents create visual tension and rhythm, guiding the eye across the composition and adding depth to the otherwise flattened space.

Brushwork is thick and textural, with areas of heavy impasto that catch the light and emphasise the physicality of the paint. Scraped passages and layered strokes contribute to a richly worked surface, where traces of earlier marks remain visible beneath. This layering gives the painting a sense of history and movement, as though the figure has been gradually revealed through successive gestures.

Overall, the piece is a powerful study in form, colour, and material – intimate yet bold, gestural yet composed.

This oil on canvas is presented in a complementary gilt frame that has a gently stepped profile. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has light scuffs. 

Size: 73.5 x 53.5 cm (including frame)