Artwork

Self-Portrait against Red Background

Self-Portrait against Red Background, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1906
Self-Portrait against Red Background, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1906

Self-Portrait against Red Background is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Self-Portrait against Red Background is a 1906 oil painting by Edvard Munch, a Norwegian artist known for exploring the human psyche through his work.

Subject & Meaning

The painting is a portrait of Munch himself, standing in a dark suit against a dominant red background. His face is the focal point, rendered with bold brushstrokes that convey emotion and intensity.

Technique & Style

Munch employed a range of colors to create depth and emotional resonance. The red background appears to glow, while the subject's face is lit from the left, highlighting his features. Expressive brushstrokes and bold color choices contribute to the overall intensity of the portrait.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Munch Museum's collection, exemplifying the post-impressionist style that Munch was associated with.

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.