Artwork
Self-Portrait with Hat and Overcoat
Self-Portrait with Hat and Overcoat is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum. Created in 1910, this oil painting presents the artist in a muted interior, dressed in a light‑blue overcoat and dark hat.
About this work
Overview
The composition is dominated by subdued lighting that casts soft shadows across yellow walls, while a blurred facial expression conveys a withdrawn mood.
Created in 1910, this oil painting presents the artist in a muted interior, dressed in a light‑blue overcoat and dark hat. The composition is dominated by subdued lighting that casts soft shadows across yellow walls, while a blurred facial expression conveys a withdrawn mood. The setting includes a modest table with a yellow cloth and a seated figure, adding to the work’s contemplative atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas serves as a self‑portrait, capturing the painter’s own likeness at a moment of introspection. By directing his gaze downward and rendering his features indistinct, the artist emphasizes internal reflection over external identity, inviting viewers to consider the psychological state behind the outward appearance.
Technique & Style
Executed in the post‑Impressionist idiom, the work employs a restrained palette and loose brushwork that foreground emotional resonance. Subtle chiaroscuro effects generate depth, while the softened edges of the figure and background merge to produce a sense of atmospheric ambiguity characteristic of the artist’s expressive approach.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the permanent collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo, where it remains accessible to the public. It was acquired after the artist’s death as a representative example of his later self‑portraiture, reflecting his continued exploration of mood and identity.
Context
During the early 20th century, the painter, trained at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania, was increasingly focused on conveying inner experience through visual means. This work aligns with his broader oeuvre, which frequently explores themes of melancholy, isolation, and the complexities of the human psyche.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
