Artwork
Hodman at Work on the Studio Building
Hodman at Work on the Studio Building is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Hodman at Work on the Studio Building is a 1920 oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, characterized by its depiction of a laborer engaged in construction work.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, likely a hodman, is portrayed with intense focus on his task, conveying a sense of industriousness. Munch's emphasis on the worker's absorbed state may reflect his broader interest in capturing psychological states through everyday scenes.
Technique & Style
Executed in bold brushstrokes and vivid, mixed colors (notably blues, browns, and yellows), the painting exemplifies a post-impressionist approach, prioritizing expressive energy over realism.
History & Provenance
Created in 1920, the painting is now part of the Munch Museum's collection, reflecting Munch's ongoing exploration of human subjects in his later work.
Context
Influenced by his background in the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania and associations with nihilist circles (e.g., Hans Jæger), Munch's work during this period often blended psychological insight with everyday life observations.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
