White Roses

A vibrant mid-century modernist still life oil painting by Swedish artist Eric Elfvén (1921–2008), whose works have been exhibited in public collections including the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Jönköping Museum, Borås Art Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The composition captures a loose arrangement of white roses placed across a richly coloured tabletop and echoed in a tall cobalt-blue jug. The layered planes of colour – suggesting a tablecloth, interior wall, and surface – form a structured yet playful setting. The roses feel freshly placed, lending the scene an air of immediacy and intimacy.

The painting is executed in a bold modernist style, characterised by flattened perspective and simplified, almost abstracted forms. Rather than striving for realism, the artist emphasises composition and colour relationships. A vivid palette dominates: saturated reds and oranges energise the foreground, contrasted with deep greens, cool blues, and teal tones. The white roses, tinged with warm yellows, act as luminous focal points, softening the intensity of the surrounding colours.

Brushwork is confident and expressive. The roses are rendered with dynamic and painterly strokes, giving their petals a tactile quality. In contrast, the surrounding surfaces are built up with broader, flatter applications of paint, creating a balance between texture and structure. Edges remain intentionally loose, reinforcing the painting’s spontaneous, lively character.

This oil on canvas is housed complementary slim wood frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has some scuffs present. 

Size: 49 x 63 cm (including frame)