Who painted Man With Red Box?

Man With Red Box was painted by David Bowie in 1991.

Where can I see Man With Red Box?

Man With Red Box is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Man With Red Box

David Bowie , 1991

Man With Red Box is a paint painting by David Bowie. It dates from 1991 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created in 1991, this oil on canvas presents a solitary figure standing in an open landscape.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1991, this oil on canvas presents a solitary figure standing in an open landscape. The man is dressed in a green jacket and cap, brown trousers, and black riding boots, and he clutches a small, dark red box. Behind him rise two birch trees with pale bark, while a dark, cloud‑filled sky looms above a greenish‑yellow field.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure displays an exaggerated, startled expression, his eyes and mouth enlarged in a cartoonish manner. The vivid red box he holds serves as the sole bright focal point, drawing attention amid the muted surroundings and suggesting a moment of surprise or discovery.

Technique & Style

The work is executed with loose, expressive brushwork and thick paint application, giving the surface a textured, impromptu quality. Colors are rendered in bold, saturated tones that stand out against the more subdued background, emphasizing the immediacy of the scene.

Context

The painting belongs to a period when the artist explored figurative subjects with a gestural, expressionist approach, often employing exaggerated facial features to convey emotion. The inclusion of natural elements such as birch trees and an overcast sky situates the figure within a recognizable, yet stylized, outdoor setting.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the canvas has been part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is displayed for public viewing.