Who painted Study of a Nude?

Study of a Nude was painted by Edvard Munch in 1898.

Where can I see Study of a Nude?

Study of a Nude is held by Munch Museum.

What movement is Study of a Nude?

Study of a Nude is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Study of a Nude

Edvard Munch , 1898

Study of a Nude is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1898, *Study of a Nude* is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work shows a seated female figure rendered in a restrained palette, set against a softly blended background of pastel blues and yellows. It belongs to the period when Munch was exploring post‑impressionist approaches to form and mood, and it is now part of the collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a nude woman seated on the floor, her torso inclined forward, hands resting on her knees, and her gaze meeting the viewer without overt expression. The direct eye contact, combined with the modest pose, creates a tension between vulnerability and self‑assurance, inviting contemplation of the sitter’s inner state rather than a purely decorative portrayal.

Technique & Style

Munch employed oil on canvas to achieve a smooth, almost velvety surface, allowing subtle transitions between the pastel hues of the background. The figure is rendered with loose, expressive brushwork that softens anatomical details, while the limited color range emphasizes mood over realism, reflecting the post‑impressionist interest in psychological resonance.

History & Provenance

The painting was produced during a prolific phase in Munch’s career when personal experiences of illness and loss shaped his focus on emotional depth. After its creation, the work entered the artist’s estate and was later acquired by the Munch Museum, where it has remained on display as part of the institution’s core holdings of Munch’s early oeuvre.