A gentle and introspective interior scene by Swedish painter, Erik Norseliuis (1874-1956). An older lady sits quietly knitting by the light from a bedroom window. While an old grandfather clock, which is tucked away between a wardrobe and a fireplace, ticks away the hours.

It’s a painting that carries a deeper significance if you look further into the symbolism. Note how the lady is positioned towards the very left of the composition - with the focus set on the tall wardrobe that dominates the view. And consider why the artist has given prominence to the clock, with its fine details and sunlit dial.

Erik Norseliuis enjoyed painting scenes depicting regular activities that would otherwise pass us by and this is a good example of his work. He was the son of a pharmacist and studied in Stockholm before moving to Paris in 1896. From 1902, he exhibited annually in the illustrious Paris Salon and several of his works are housed in museum collections.

The portrait is signed in the lower right and held within a frame that could be its original.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 19” x 22½” / 48cm x 57cm
Year of creation: c. 1953
Provenance: Sweden
Condition: Artwork in good condition with some light scuffing around the edges. Frame is a little tatty with some age-related wear but good enough to hang.
Artist’s auction highlight: £3,390 achieved for ‘L'atelier dello scultore’ at auction in 2005.