The Scalloped Basket

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A vivid and striking mid century modernist still life composition in oil, painted onto board.

This painting is a semi-abstract still life with bold shapes and expressive brushwork. It features a dark bowl or basket with a scalloped white rim sitting on a patterned, richly coloured surface, possibly a tablecloth. Next to the bowl are two round yellow and green fruits, likely a lemon and an apple.

The tablecloth has a fragmented, mosaic-like design in deep reds, blues, and blacks, creating strong visual texture and depth. The bowl or dish dominates the left side of the composition, with jagged white accents that contrast sharply with the dark background. The fruits on the lower right provide a pop of colour with their bright yellows and greens. The background wall is pale, divided into two contrasting patches of cream and olive green, adding to the geometric structure of the piece.

The painting is expressionist in style, with loose, energetic brushstrokes and abstracted forms. It emphasises contrast—between light and dark, soft and sharp, warm and cool tones. The mood is introspective and slightly mysterious, inviting the viewer to interpret the scene beyond its literal objects.

This oil on board is housed in a simple wood frame which draws attention to the painting. Both painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size:  51.5 x 61cm (including frame)