Who painted Self-Portrait against a Blue Sky?

Self-Portrait against a Blue Sky was painted by Edvard Munch in 1908.

Where can I see Self-Portrait against a Blue Sky?

Self-Portrait against a Blue Sky is held by Munch Museum.

What movement is Self-Portrait against a Blue Sky?

Self-Portrait against a Blue Sky is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Self-Portrait against a Blue Sky

Edvard Munch , 1908

Self-Portrait against a Blue Sky is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1908, this oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch presents a self‑portrait set against an expansive blue sky. The canvas features the painter in a dark jacket and yellow shirt, his face rendered with decisive brushwork and a solemn expression. The sky occupies most of the surface, punctuated by white clouds, while a hint of green foliage appears at the lower edge.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays Munch himself, confronting the viewer with a direct, introspective gaze. The contrast between the bright, open sky and the darker clothing suggests a tension between external freedom and internal contemplation, a theme recurrent in Munch’s exploration of psychological states.

Technique & Style

Executed in a loose, expressive manner, the painting displays visible, gestural strokes that emphasize texture and movement. Vivid blues and yellows dominate the palette, while the brushwork on the face and clouds conveys immediacy, aligning the piece with post‑impressionist tendencies toward emotional resonance over precise representation.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the self‑portrait has remained within the holdings of the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway. The museum’s collection, dedicated to the artist’s oeuvre, provides the primary public context for viewing this work, preserving its association with Munch’s broader legacy.