Seine in Summer - Knut Olson - 1950s - oil on panel - 48 x40 cm

Oil on panel, signed lower right “Knut Olson”. Presented in a newly made, solid oak frame.

This Parisian river view is a fine example of Knut Olson’s lyrical, color-led approach to the townscape. Seen from a raised vantage point, the Seine opens toward a distant arched bridge, framed by rows of plane trees and pale apartment blocks along the quays. 

The scene is built from broad, confident strokes with little fussy detail. The foliage becomes simple, rounded masses of green, and the sky is brushed in pale, vertical veils of grey-blue that give the whole picture a hazy, atmospheric calm. The converging quays lead the eye through the composition to the horizon. The restrained palette and quiet, contemplative mood are typical of the Swedish colorist tradition and its lasting dialogue with French painting.

The painting has been newly framed in a light, natural oak frame with a clean, slim profile. Its warm grain complements the pastel palette and makes the work an effortless fit for a modern Scandinavian or Japandi interior, where it brings quiet colour, light and a sense of calm to the wall.

Size: 48 x 40 cm (with frame)

About the artist: 

Knut Martin Olson (1904 – 1978) was a Swedish painter. He initially intended to study to become a doctor, but began his studies at an advertising school. He continued his studies in art at Otte Sköld's painting school in 1935 and made several study trips to Norway, Denmark as well as France and Italy.

He debuted in an exhibition at Värmland Museum in 1934, and participated again in 1936 and 1952. He exhibited at the National Museum in 1935. 

His art consists of portraits, figures, landscapes and still lifes in oil and gouache. After an illness in 1972, he learned to paint with only his left hand, and changed his signature to K.O. instead of his full name.

Olson is represented at the Värmland Museum, Värmland County Council, Karlstad Municipality's art collection, and the National Portrait Collections (Sweden).