Artwork
Standing Nude: Noon
Standing Nude: Noon is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1922, this oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch presents a solitary nude figure. The work is part of the Munch Museum’s collection and is classified within the post‑impressionist vein of Munch’s later output.
Subject & Meaning
The model is identified as Annie Fjeldbu, rendered in a relaxed stance with her weight shifted onto a single leg. Her gaze is directed downward, her expression neutral, suggesting a moment of inward reflection rather than overt sensuality.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a warm, muted background that recedes behind a modest window. Munch’s brushwork softens the contours of the figure, while the limited palette emphasizes the quiet atmosphere.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the canvas entered the holdings of the Munch Museum in Oslo, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s focus on preserving works from the artist’s mature period.
Context
The early 1920s marked a phase in Munch’s career where he revisited the human form with a subdued, introspective tone. This piece aligns with that period, echoing his ongoing exploration of vulnerability and existential contemplation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
