Ryggen

Framed Size: 21.125"W x 35"H
Dated 1950
Oil on Canvas

Ryggen (“The Back”) is a beautiful mid-century oil painting by Swedish artist Idun Lovén, showcasing her unique style and deep understanding of the human form. Created in the 1950s, this piece captures the emotional depth and vulnerability of its subject through bold brushstrokes and a rich, muted color palette. The warm earthy tones of the figure contrast with the deep blues of the background, creating a feeling of both intimacy and timelessness.

Lovén was a significant figure in Swedish modernism, not just for her art but also for her work as an educator. She ran Konstskolan Idun Lovén in Stockholm for over 30 years, bringing new ideas like sculpture, film, theatre, and dance into the school’s curriculum. Her approach to art combined traditional realism with a sense of abstraction, giving her work, including Ryggen, a lasting place in Swedish art history.

This painting is more than just a beautiful piece to hang on your wall—it's a piece of history. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time when Scandinavian artists were exploring the human experience in new and meaningful ways. Ryggen captures the quiet strength and vulnerability of its subject, inviting you to pause and reflect on something deeper. It’s a painting that connects you not just to the art but to the era that shaped it, making it a special addition to any collection.