Artwork
Abdul Karim in Green Coat
Abdul Karim in Green Coat is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1916, *Abdul Karim in Green Coat* is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work is a portrait of a seated man dressed in a green coat and is part of the collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo. It exemplifies Munch’s turn toward a more structured, post‑impressionist visual language during the later phase of his career.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a solitary figure, Abdul Karim, whose direct gaze and modest attire suggest a quiet dignity. While the portrait does not contain overt symbolism, the subdued expression aligns with Munch’s broader interest in inner emotional states and the psychological presence of his sitters.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs the flattened planes and bold color contrasts typical of post‑impressionism. Munch’s brushwork balances loose, expressive strokes with a more controlled delineation of form, allowing the green coat to dominate the palette while the background recedes into muted tones.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the painting has remained within the artist’s estate before entering the permanent collection of the Munch Museum. The museum acquired the work as part of its effort to assemble a comprehensive representation of Munch’s oeuvre, ensuring public access to this later portrait.
Context
Munch’s early life was marked by chronic illness and the loss of several family members, experiences that fostered a reflective and often melancholic outlook. His artistic development was further shaped by the radical ideas of Norwegian nihilist Hans Jæger, whose emphasis on personal authenticity resonated in Munch’s introspective portraiture.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
