Mid-Century Modern 'Afternoon Lesson' Expressive Figurative Oil Painting by Swedish Artist Hans Osswald (1919-1983), Framed

Details

Description

AFTERNOON LESSON
Oil on canvas
Size: 32.3 x 27.6 inches (including frame)

A outstanding mid-century modernist abstract figurative composition in … Read more AFTERNOON LESSON
Oil on canvas
Size: 32.3 x 27.6 inches (including frame)

A outstanding mid-century modernist abstract figurative composition in oil, painted onto canvas by 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 a tender moment between two figures, likely an adult and a child, engaged in a shared activity – perhaps reading – on a pale yellow surface held between them. The figures are rendered with bold black contour lines and simplified geometric forms, evoking a quiet intimacy and emotional restraint characteristic of modernist abstraction.

The palette is soft yet expressive, with cool mint green and powder blue balanced against pale yellow, white, and black. Textural brushwork adds depth, especially in the background and garment areas, where layers of impasto reveal the artist’s hand. The faceless figures and stylized forms invite universal interpretation, evoking themes of mentorship, learning, and companionship without prescribing a specific narrative.

Executed with a controlled yet expressive brush, this work speaks to the elegance of restraint – where every shape and colour block carries emotional weight.

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

Please note all of the artworks we sell are vintage and unless otherwise stated, their condition is typical for their age. This can sometimes include slight changes in colour, yellowing to the varnish, and minor bumps and bruises. We have tried to include as many close-up photos as possible. Should you need more photos or wish to ask us more questions regarding an item's condition, feel free to contact us, we are always happy to help. See less