Artwork
Men Turned towards the Sun
Men Turned towards the Sun is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Men Turned towards the Sun is a 1912 oil painting by Edvard Munch, characterized by its expressive depiction of two nude male figures under intense sunlight, showcasing the artist's post-impressionist style.
Subject & Meaning
The painting explores human psychology and raw emotional experience through the contrasting postures of the two figures—one triumphant, the other subdued—bathed in powerful, potentially overwhelming sunlight.
Technique & Style
Munch employed bold, roughly blended colors (pink, blue, green) and thick, textured impasto, creating a dynamic, almost turbulent visual effect, with light emanating from above.
History & Provenance
Created during Munch's ongoing exploration of emotional depth, the work is now part of the Munch Museum's collection, reflecting the institution's dedication to preserving the artist's oeuvre.
Context
Munch's early life, marked by personal loss and illness, influenced his expressive and psychologically charged approach to art, as seen in this piece's emphasis on vulnerability and response to overwhelming forces.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
