This expressive mid-20th-century oil painting by Swedish artist Erik Jerken (1898-1947) depicts a still life with flowers and a book.
Set against a turquoise wall, the tangled forms of vibrant blooms emerge from a conical vase. They lean, droop, and twist in a wild dance. Somewhat uncontrolled, unbeautified, and natural.
Jerken was a modernist and known for his buoyant still lifes. He often used strong background colours to add dynamism to his arrangements. Here we see the influence of Van Gogh and Matisse.
Signed/dated lower left and held within an ornate swept frame with pierced centres and corners.
The painting sold previously at auction in 2016 for £1,722.
Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 35½” x 43½” / 90cm x 110cm
Year of creation: 1941
Provenance: Private collection, Sweden.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £3,751
Erik Jerken was a Swedish painter and illustrator predominantly known for modernist still lifes and landscapes. He trained at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm where he was awarded the Ducal Medal. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the Nationalmuseum and Moderna Muséet.
Learn more about Erik Jerken in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
