Oil On BoardPost-Impressionist Style
194919th Century
45.0 x 58.0 cm
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o TāmakiThe artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.
As a respectful and legal alternative, we offer custom, hand-painted artworks inspired by the original. Our skilled and professional artists carefully study the original's style, mood, and artistic essence to create a new, unique piece that evokes the same feeling - while remaining an original creation in its own right.
This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (23 October). No compromise on quality.
Figure Study
Reproduction Size
“Figure Study,” created in 1949 by Selwyn Wilson, is more than just a depiction of a nude form; it's a poignant meditation on identity and the act of observation. Painted during a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s artistic development – a time when emerging artists were challenging established norms while still benefiting from the mentorship of seasoned masters – this work embodies the quiet intensity characteristic of Post-Impressionist influences, particularly those of Paul Cézanne. Wilson's decision to portray himself within the confines of his studio, reflected in the mirror’s gaze, immediately establishes a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The stark lighting, typical of nocturnal scenes, amplifies this feeling, creating an atmosphere both contemplative and slightly unsettling.
Wilson’s artistic lineage is clearly visible in “Figure Study.” He was profoundly influenced by John Weeks and Archibald Fisher, who instilled within him a rigorous approach to technique – emphasizing colour, texture, and form. This training, combined with his own innate sensitivity, allowed him to create a work that avoids mere representation and instead delves into the emotional core of the subject. The brushwork is deliberate yet fluid, suggesting both careful observation and an expressive impulse. Note the subtle variations in tone and texture – particularly evident in the rendering of the skin and the draped fabric – which contribute significantly to the painting’s tactile quality. The use of a limited palette, dominated by muted blues, browns, and greys, further enhances the work's somber mood and reinforces its connection to the Post-Impressionist tradition.
The painting’s creation in 1949 is significant. It represents a nascent artistic movement in New Zealand, one that was largely unconcerned with achieving widespread recognition or adhering strictly to established canons. Wilson's empathy for his students, as evidenced by his statement about “awareness of the place where they live,” reflects this spirit of generosity and experimentation. The Auckland Art Gallery’s purchase of Wilson’s student work – an unprecedented event at the time – underscored the gallery’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and recognizing the value of unconventional approaches. The mirror itself is a potent symbol, reflecting not just the artist's physical form but also his inner self, inviting viewers to contemplate their own perceptions and identities.
"Figure Study" possesses a remarkable honesty that resonates with viewers even today. The vulnerability of the subject matter, combined with Wilson’s masterful technique, creates a powerfully evocative image. Its quiet intensity invites contemplation on themes of self-awareness, isolation, and the relationship between art and identity. This piece would be an exceptional addition to any collection, offering both aesthetic pleasure and intellectual stimulation. Its dimensions (45 x 58 cm) make it suitable for a variety of interior spaces, from smaller studies to more expansive living areas.
The colors of "Figure Study" by Selwyn Wilson show a unified palette harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.
"Figure Study" by Selwyn Wilson can be downloaded from the artwork's Download page, as a high-resolution digital image download.
The subjects of "Figure Study" are nude figure, self-portrait, studio setting, reflection, brush & palette, post-impressionism, artist study.
Selwyn Wilson stands as a foundational figure in the landscape of Māori modernism, a visionary whose life and work bridged traditional identity with contemporary artistic expression. Born in Taumarere, New Zealand, Wilson emerged from a lineage of Ngāti Manu and Ngāti Hine descent, carrying with him a profound connection to his heritage that would later inform his unique approach to subject matter. His journey into the heart of the fine arts began at the Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, where he enrolled in 1945. In doing so, he achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Māori student to graduate from a New Zealand art school.
His early development was shaped by the rigorous technical training provided by mentors such as John Weeks and Archibald Fisher. These masters instilled in him a deep respect for form, texture, and color, encouraging an experimental spirit that allowed him to engage with the Post-Impressionist tradition. Through their guidance, Wilson learned to manipulate medium and light, drawing inspiration from the likes of Paul Cézanne to create works that moved beyond mere representation toward a deeper emotional resonance.
The evolution of Wilson’s style is marked by a delicate balance between technical precision and an expressive, searching impulse. His work often reflects a mastery of light and shadow, particularly evident in his more intimate, nocturnal compositions. In pieces such as Figure Study, one can observe a profound meditation on identity and observation. By utilizing a palette of muted blues, browns, and greys, he created atmospheres that were simultaneously contemplative and unsettling, capturing the vulnerability of the human form within the quiet confines of a studio.
Beyond the canvas, Wilson’s artistic curiosity led him to explore the tactile world of ceramics. In 1957, bolstered by the Sir Āpirana Ngata bursary, he traveled to London to study at the Central School of Art, where his focus shifted toward the sculptural and functional qualities of clay. This period of international study expanded his understanding of design and materiality, reinforcing his belief that art should maintain an awareness of the living environment and the functional beauty of the world around us.
The historical weight of Selwyn Wilson’s contribution to New Zealand art cannot be overstated. He was a central figure in a generation of artists who spearheaded the contemporary Māori art movement during the 1950s and 1960s, working alongside peers such as Ralph Hotere and Muru Walters. His ability to weave Māori subjectivity into the fabric of modernism helped redefine the national canon, moving it toward a more inclusive and authentic representation of Aotearoa.
His achievements are immortalized in the prestigious collections that house his work, most notably the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. The acquisition of his early works, such as Study of a Head, marked an unprecedented moment for public galleries, signaling a shift toward recognizing contemporary Māori perspectives. As both a creator and a dedicated teacher, Wilson’s influence extended to future generations of artists, leaving behind a legacy defined by empathy, technical excellence, and an unwavering eye for the design of the world we inhabit.
1927 - , New Zealand
Master the nuances of Impressionism vs. Post-Impressionism with our expert guide. Explore the revolutionary shift from Monet’s fleeting light to Van Gogh’s emotional depth. Discover how these iconic movements continue to inspire fine art collectors and modern interiors today.
Explore the transformative era of Post-Impressionism. Discover how masters like Cézanne and Matisse revolutionized color and form, moving beyond Impressionism to shape modern art history through structural innovation and expressive emotion.
Discover the profound emotional depth of Post-Impressionist landscapes. Explore how masters like Van Gogh revolutionized art through vibrant color, textured impasto, and symbolic expression in this expert guide to the movement that redefined modern art history.
Explore the vibrant evolution of Post-Impressionism. From Seurat's revolutionary Pointillism to the emotional depth of masters, discover how this movement redefined modern art history through color, structure, and unparalleled creative expression.
Explore the ethereal beauty of Impressionist landscapes. Discover how masters like Monet captured fleeting light through color and texture, and learn to curate these timeless, luminous masterpieces for your home collection.
Preview
Send
Share
Details
Guide
Download
Similars
X-Ray
Diaporama
Stats
Read More
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
