Stunning semi-abstract modernist oil painting of a town and mountains. Oil on canvas, signed (Wernheden).
This is a strong example of Swedish semi-abstract modernism from the 1960s–70s. Here, Wernheden works with what one might call plane-based figuration: the architecture is constructed entirely from planes of color—white, grey-blue, ochre, terracotta—without conventional perspective or shadow. The buildings are recognizable but never literal. The two silhouette figures on the left are typical of this style: human presence as measure and atmosphere, not as subject matter.
The palette betrays southern light—Spain, Greece, or Portugal are obvious choices. The flat white walls combined with the hilly green hinterland strongly suggest a Mediterranean mountain village. Many Swedish painters traveled south in the 1960s and brought that experience of light back into an abstracting visual language.
The painting is cleaned and comes with a complimentary wooden frame. Both painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition. A small dent in the canvas has been skillfully restored.
Size: 68 x 42 cm (with frame)
About the artist:
Stig Henry Wernheden (1921 – 1997) was a Swedish painter, graphic artist and chemist. Wernheden first worked as a chemist from 1938 to 1950. He studied painting in Malmö from 1948 to 1953 and pursued independent studies during trips to France, Yugoslavia, Spain, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. His art consists of realistic still lifes, figures and landscape depictions executed in oil, watercolour or as wood and linoleum cuts, which towards the end of the 1950s became more abstract. During his career, he exhibited throughout Sweden. Wernheden is represented at Moderna Museet, Malmö Museum, Snus and Match Museum, Ystad Art Museum and Malmö City Hall.
Also from this artist: Ibiza Village
