Artwork
St. Bernhard Dog in Snow
St. Bernhard Dog in Snow is an oil painting by Edvard Munch. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum. Created in 1913, this oil painting shows a St.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1913, this oil painting shows a St. Bernard standing amid a snowy landscape. The animal faces left, its brown‑white coat rendered with loose brushwork, while a soft blue sky forms the backdrop. The work belongs to the collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo, offering a brief, lively glimpse of the artist’s later period.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a St. Bernard, a breed traditionally associated with rescue and companionship in alpine settings. By placing the dog against a stark, wintry field, the composition emphasizes the animal’s warmth and vitality, inviting viewers to consider themes of loyalty and endurance within a harsh environment.
Technique & Style
Munch applies oil with broad, expressive strokes, allowing the brown and white fur to emerge through layered, gestural marks. The background’s muted blue contrasts with the warm tones of the dog, creating visual tension. The overall handling reflects a spontaneous, almost improvisational approach, characteristic of Munch’s later experiments with color and brushwork.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced during a prolific phase following Munch’s early years of personal loss and formal study at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania. It entered the holdings of the Munch Museum, where it remains on display as part of the artist’s extensive oeuvre, illustrating his continued interest in animal subjects.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
