Artwork

Life

Life, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1910
Life, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1910

Life is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

About this work

Overview

Edvard Munch's 1910 painting 'Life' is an oil-on-canvas work currently held in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister. It depicts a group of figures in a natural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features a man standing by a tree, two women in white sitting on the grass, and another woman in blue under the tree, with a man in dark clothing on the right. The arrangement of figures and lush greenery creates a serene atmosphere, suggesting a moment of harmony.

Technique & Style

Munch's post-impressionist style is characterized by expressive brushstrokes and muted colors, conveying emotional and psychological depth. His technique emphasizes harmony and balance, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition.

History & Provenance

Munch, a Norwegian artist, was influenced by his studies at the Royal School of Art and Design in Oslo and his association with the nihilist Hans Jæger. His early life was marked by illness and family loss, experiences that likely shaped his artistic focus on emotional expression.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edvard Munch

Artist

Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.