Expressive mid-century Scandinavian portrait executed in gouache on paper. Bold black brushwork surrounds a calm, simplified face. A striking modernist composition with strong graphic presence.

Expressive modernist portrait executed in gouache on paper during the mid-20th century. The composition shows a stylized female face surrounded by bold black brushwork. The figure emerges from dark, gestural strokes that frame the pale features of the portrait.

The artist works with a limited palette and strong contrast. Large black shapes define the composition while the face remains calm and simplified. The result is both graphic and atmospheric. The work reflects the expressive figurative direction seen in Scandinavian modernism during the 1950s and 1960s.

Executed in gouache on paper.

DETAILS
Artist: Gustaf Werder
Subject: Portrait
Medium: Gouache on paper
Size: 58 × 67 cm (22.8 × 26.4 in) including frame
Frame: Yes, framed with glass front
Signed: Yes, lower left
Condition: Ok vintage condition. The glass and mat show signs of age and could benefit from replacement if desired.
Era: Mid-20th century (c. 1960s)
Style: Scandinavian modernist figurative art

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Gustaf Werder was a Swedish painter and draftsman born in Limhamn, Malmö, in 1918. He worked mainly during the mid-20th century and produced paintings and works on paper that move between figurative and abstract expression.
Werder often combined recognizable subjects with expressive brushwork and simplified forms. His works emphasize mood, structure, and strong graphic contrasts rather than strict realism. This approach places his work within the development of Scandinavian modernism after the Second World War.
His paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works appear regularly at Scandinavian auctions. Some works are signed simply “Werder,” while others carry the inscription “Paris,” reflecting the international modernist influences that shaped many Nordic artists of the period. Werder remained active as an artist throughout the mid-20th century and died in 1977.
The artwork is signed in the lower left and presented in a vintage frame with glass. The glass and mat show signs of age and could benefit from replacement if desired. The piece works well as a striking focal point in modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian interiors.

PLEASE NOTE: That I sell vintage paintings. These pieces have a history and may show signs of wear. Some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others might have spent years stored away. They are not perfect—frames might be loose, worn, or scratched, and the paintings themselves can exhibit similar imperfections. I believe these flaws add to their unique charm, but aim to be as transparent as possible by highlighting any significant issues in my listings. The best way to assess their condition is through the photographs and video provided, so please examine them closely as they are part of the description.

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