Artwork
Ebba Ridderstad
Ebba Ridderstad is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1935 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1935, this oil portrait by Edvard Munch presents the Swedish author and advocate Ebba Pauli Ridderstad. Rendered in a post‑impressionist manner, the work is part of the permanent holdings of Oslo’s Munch Museum. The composition centers on Ridderstad’s face, set against a muted yellow‑purple backdrop that highlights her thoughtful demeanor.
Subject & Meaning
Ridderstad, known for her literary contributions and activism for women's rights, is depicted with a restrained smile and an introspective gaze. The painting’s quiet expression suggests an inner life of contemplation, aligning with the sitter’s public role as a thinker and reformer while maintaining an intimate, personal presence.
Technique & Style
Munch employs visible brushwork that creates a textured surface, allowing the dark coat and hat to contrast sharply with the lighter background tones. The palette of soft yellows and purples softens the overall atmosphere, while the post‑impressionist approach emphasizes emotional resonance over strict realism.
History & Provenance
The portrait was executed during a later phase of Munch’s career, a period marked by continued exploration of psychological depth. After its completion, the painting entered the collection of the Munch Museum, where it remains accessible to the public as part of the artist’s extensive oeuvre.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
