An enigmatic interior scene by Swedish-Danish artist, Florence Olga Abrahamson (1877-1965). It’s a piece that gives you a little more every time you view it.

What’s the story here? Why is she sitting with her back turned to the window? Are the flowers deliberately shown as drawn towards the light? Could this be a symbolic reference for a woman trapped within her society?

Abrahamson was of Jewish descent and spent her early years in Holland Park, London. Her sister, Charlotte, was also a talented artist, while her other sister, Bertha, was a respected philanthropist.

Florence’s art consisted of interiors, landscapes and portraits and she participated in several exhibitions including at The Society of Women Artists. Some of her work is held at the Gothenburg Art Museum.

In 1943, she fled to Sweden following the German occupation of Denmark.

The painting is signed/dated in the lower right.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 26” x 21½” / 66cm x 54cm
Year of creation: 1904
Provenance: Denmark
Condition: Generally good with one or two minor paint losses. Frame with some light age-related wear.