Artwork
Bergen Harbour
Bergen Harbour 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, *Bergen Harbour* is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work depicts a coastal scene with a few vessels set against a distant city skyline, rendered in a palette of blues, greens, and occasional yellow‑orange highlights. It is part of the collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a bustling harbor, where a dark mass in the foreground—interpreted as a boat or dock—anchors the view. The muted tones of water and sky contrast with bright accents, suggesting the interplay of calm and activity that characterizes a working port. The scene conveys a sense of movement without explicit narrative.
Technique & Style
Munch employs vigorous brushwork and textured surfaces, typical of his post‑impressionist phase. The application of oil paint creates visible strokes that animate the water and sky, while the limited yet striking color bursts draw the eye across the canvas. This approach emphasizes emotional resonance over precise detail.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the holdings of the Munch Museum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s mission to preserve the breadth of Munch’s oeuvre, including works beyond his most famous expressionist pieces.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
