Who painted 'Woman on Sofa'?

'Woman on Sofa' was painted by Victor Pasmore in 1942.

Where can I see 'Woman on Sofa'?

'Woman on Sofa' is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

'Woman on Sofa'

Victor Pasmore , 1942

'Woman on Sofa' is a drawing by Victor Pasmore. It dates from 1942 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a pencil drawing that shows a woman lying back on a sofa.

About this work

Overview

The work is a pencil drawing that shows a woman lying back on a sofa. Her posture is relaxed, with her head turned slightly and one hand lifted near her mouth, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation. The composition is simple, focusing on the figure and the suggestion of the furniture without elaborate background.

Subject & Meaning

The figure appears at ease, her body language conveying a private, intimate instant. The raised hand near the mouth may imply a gesture of thought, sigh, or subtle speech, inviting viewers to imagine the woman's inner state. The overall mood is one of calm domesticity, captured in a fleeting, unguarded pose.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose, expressive pencil strokes, the drawing relies on fluid lines rather than detailed modeling. The woman's form is rendered with minimal shading, while the sofa is suggested by a few swift marks that hint at depth. This economy of line creates an elegant simplicity, directing attention to the relaxed figure.

Context

The piece is presented as a drawing, without additional information on its date, artist, or provenance. Its focus on everyday intimacy aligns with a tradition of sketching informal moments, emphasizing gesture and mood over precise representation.