Group 2
Skip to main content
Search the collection
Moderna Museet
Advanced Search
Search the collection
Advanced Search
Proceed to modernamuseet.searrow
Sub Rosa
© Lars Olof Loeld/Bildupphovsrätt 2026
Sub Rosa
Sub Rosa
Photo: Prallan Allsten/Moderna Museet

Sub Rosa

by Lars Olof Loeld
Artist (Sverige, 1930 - 2023)
Date2018
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsBildmått: 196 × 245 cm Yttermått: 196 × 245 × 5,9 cm
Classification
Countries
Credit LinePurchase 2018 funded by The Gerard Bonnier Foundation
Object NumberMOM/2018/101
CollectionsThe Gerard Bonnier Collection
The artwork is not on display
About the artworkThe term sub rosa literally means “under the rose” in Latin and refers to the ability to keep a secret. In Roman mythology, Amor gave a rose to Harpocrates, the god of confidentiality, begging him to keep silent about the amorous indiscretions of the love goddess Venus and other gods. Lars-Olof Loeld’s artistic practice harbours many secrets. The pale-pink surface of his paintings often hides a multitude of references to mysticism, alchemy and Marcel Duchamp. The bench in front of the painting is part of the work. Sit down and notice how the painting starts to vibrate! Signatures, inscriptions and marks Signerad på framsidan i nedre högra hörnet: LOE, Påskrift i nedre vänstra hörnet: 2018