Who painted Laura Munch?

Laura Munch was painted by Edvard Munch in 1892.

Where can I see Laura Munch?

Laura Munch is held by Munch Museum.

What movement is Laura Munch?

Laura Munch is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Laura Munch

Edvard Munch , 1892

Laura Munch is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1892, this oil painting by Edvard Munch portrays his sister Laura. Executed during the artist’s early career, the work is part of the Munch Museum’s permanent collection. It reflects Munch’s emerging pre‑expressionist concerns, emphasizing mood over strict realism, and offers a quiet, personal glimpse into his family life.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents a young Laura with dark hair pulled back, her eyes meeting the viewer directly. Her expression is subdued, rendered in muted flesh tones that suggest contemplation rather than narrative. The intimate gaze invites reflection on familial bonds and the subtle emotional currents that would later dominate Munch’s larger oeuvre.

Technique & Style

Munch employs a restrained palette, contrasting the pale complexion of his sister with a deep green background. The brushwork is smooth, allowing the figure to emerge with a soft modeling that hints at post‑impressionist influences while prefiguring his later, more expressive handling of line and color.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the portrait entered the family’s holdings and eventually was transferred to the Munch Museum in Oslo. Its presence in the museum situates it among works that trace Munch’s development from academic training at Kristiania’s Royal School of Art and Design to his association with contemporary radical thinkers.