Artwork

Model with Hands Resting on Knees

Model with Hands Resting on Knees, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1926
Model with Hands Resting on Knees, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1926

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.

About this work

Overview

Model with Hands Resting on Knees is a 1926 oil painting by Edvard Munch, depicting a seated female figure in contemplative pose.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified as Hildur Christensen, is portrayed in introspection, her downward gaze and relaxed posture conveying emotional depth, characteristic of Munch's exploration of psychological states.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, expressive brushstrokes, the painting features muted colors with accents of blue, creating a somber, intimate atmosphere that draws attention to the subject's hands and face.

History & Provenance

Created during Munch's post-impressionist period, the work is now part of the Munch Museum's collection, reflecting the artist's ongoing thematic preoccupations.

Context

Rooted in Munch's personal experiences with loss and his association with bohemian artistic circles, the painting aligns with his distinctive style, informed by his training at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edvard Munch

Artist

Edvard Munch

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

Munch Museum

Museum

Munch Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Munch Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.