Preview
Send
Share
Details
Guide
Download
Similars
X-Ray
Diaporama
Q&A
StatsFigure Study
Oil On Board- Post-Impressionist Style
1949- 19th Century
45.0 x 58.0 cm
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Read More
The 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.
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.
Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (
Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
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. A print can only be cut, never made bigger than the picture, so a size with a different shape loses a part of the image. We send you a digital mockup to approve before we print anything. The picture shown on this page does not show the real cut — only the mockup does.
Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (30 October)
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Figure Study
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 65
Selwyn Wilson’s ‘Figure Study’: A Nocturne of Self-Reflection
“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.
- Subject Matter: A self-portrait as nude figure within a studio setting.
- Artist: Selwyn Wilson (1927-Present)
- Date: 1949
- Size: 45 x 58 cm
- Medium: Oil on Board
Post-Impressionist Echoes and Technical Mastery
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.
Symbolism and Context: A Generational Shift
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.
Emotional Impact and Aesthetic Appeal
"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.
Questions & Answers
What placement suits the format of "Figure Study" by Selwyn Wilson?
The portrait format of "Figure Study" by Selwyn Wilson is recommended for a living room. Format and space together guide the placement of a reproduction.
Which color stands out most in "Figure Study"?
The dominant color of "Figure Study" by Selwyn Wilson is walnut (#7f5127).
Which artist is "Figure Study" attributed to?
"Figure Study" was created by Selwyn Wilson. The information on this page describes Selwyn Wilson's original work.
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
A Pioneer of Māori Modernism
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.
Technical Mastery and Artistic Evolution
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.
Legacy and Historical Significance
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.
Selwyn Wilson
1927 - , New Zealand
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Māori Modernism, Post-Impressionist
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- John Weeks
- Archibald Fisher
- Paul Cézanne
- Date Of Death: 2002
- Full Name: Selwyn Ngareatua Wilson
- Nationality: New Zealander
- Notable Artworks:
- Figure Study
- Study of a Head
- Place Of Birth: Taumarere, New Zealand
- Date Of Birth: 1927
Related Articles
Beyond Impressionism: Exploring the Emotional Depth and Vibrant Mastery of Post-Impressionist Art
Discover the profound evolution of art beyond Impressionism. Explore the emotional depth, vibrant colors, and revolutionary techniques of Post-Impressionist masters like Van Gogh and Cézanne in this expert guide to art history's most expressive movement.
