This stylish mid-20th-century etching by Swedish artist Louis Bastin (1912-1979) depicts a seated man reading a newspaper by the window. Bastin believed that black was the “queen of all colours” and this is a good example of his philosophy. The lack of fidelity adds to its allure as we wonder who this gentleman is. He’s stylised, captured as a static silhouette relaxing with his current affairs.

Bastin trained in Paris and later at the Academy in Stockholm. He’s represented in several public collections including the National Museum.

Signed in pencil, numbered and framed.

Learn more about Louis Bastin in our directory.

Medium: Etching with aquatint
Overall size: 25” x 31” / 64cm x 79cm
Year of creation: c. 1950
Condition: Artwork presents well.