Artwork
Model with Hands Resting on Knees
Model with Hands Resting on Knees is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1926 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum. Created in 1926, this oil painting shows a seated woman with her hands placed on her knees.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1926, this oil painting shows a seated woman with her hands placed on her knees. She wears a blue blouse and dark trousers, her hair gathered back, against a backdrop of muted green and blue tones. The composition exudes a quiet, reflective mood, emphasizing a moment of personal stillness.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is identified as Hildur Christensen, portrayed in an informal pose that suggests contemplation. Her relaxed demeanor and subdued expression invite viewers to consider an inner emotional landscape, aligning with the artist’s interest in depicting psychological states rather than external narrative.
Technique & Style
Executed in a post‑Impressionist manner, the work employs broad brushwork and a limited palette to convey atmosphere. The handling of color—soft blues and greens—creates depth while the simplified forms focus attention on the sitter’s gesture and expression, reflecting the painter’s mature approach after his formal training in Kristiania.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the collection of the Munch Museum, where it remains on display. It forms part of the museum’s holdings of works produced during the artist’s later period, illustrating his continued exploration of portraiture in the 1920s.
Context
During the mid‑1920s the artist was shifting from earlier Symbolist themes toward a more restrained, introspective style. This piece, like other portraits of the time, demonstrates his engagement with everyday subjects while maintaining a focus on inner experience, a hallmark of his broader oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
