Artwork
Old Man Sitting under a Tree
Old Man Sitting under a Tree is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1909, *Old Man Sitting under a Tree* is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work depicts an elderly figure seated beneath a solitary tree, his gaze directed toward the ground, set against a muted backdrop of beige and pale blue tones.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on an aged man in a hat and long coat, isolated beneath the spreading branches. The subdued palette and the figure’s downward stare suggest introspection or melancholy, aligning with Munch’s interest in inner emotional states.
Technique & Style
Executed in a post‑impressionist manner, the painting employs loose, uneven brushwork that renders both the figure and the foliage with a slightly rough texture. The colors are restrained, favoring earth tones that enhance the somber atmosphere rather than vivid visual impact.
History & Provenance
The canvas entered the collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo, where it remains part of the institution’s permanent holdings. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on preserving works that illustrate Munch’s development during the early twentieth century.
Context
At the time of its creation, Munch was influenced by his studies at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania and his association with contemporary thinkers such as Hans Jæger. These intellectual currents informed his shift toward expressing psychological depth through simplified, emotive visual language.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
