Who painted The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz?

The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz was painted by Edvard Munch in 1902.

Where can I see The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz?

The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz is held by Munch Museum.

What movement is The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz?

The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz

Edvard Munch , 1902

The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1902, *The Hearse on Potsdamer Platz* is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work shows a black, horse‑drawn hearse positioned in the centre of a bustling urban square, surrounded by passers‑by in varied attire. The composition captures a moment of everyday activity intersected by the solemnity of a funeral procession.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure of the hearse conveys themes of mortality and transience, while the surrounding crowd, absorbed in their own movements, suggests the anonymity of modern city life. Munch’s interest in psychological states is reflected in the juxtaposition of the mournful vehicle against the indifferent flow of pedestrians.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting combines vigorous brushwork with softer, blended areas, creating a sense of motion across the scene. Munch’s post‑impressionist approach is evident in his use of color contrasts and loose handling of form, which together convey both the physical environment and an emotional undercurrent.

History & Provenance

The work is part of the permanent collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo, where it has been displayed since the museum’s establishment. It remains one of the pieces that illustrate Munch’s early 20th‑century investigations into urban experience and existential concerns.

Context

At the turn of the century, Potsdamer Platz was a vibrant hub of Berlin’s public life. Munch, having studied at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania, was traveling and observing European metropolises, incorporating their modernity into his visual language.