Artwork
The Human Mountain: Right Part
The Human Mountain: Right Part is a charcoal painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1926 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1926, *The Human Mountain: Right Part* is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work belongs to the collection of the Munch Museum and forms one half of a larger composition that explores the human figure as a collective, almost landscape‑like presence.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas depicts a group of nude figures arranged in a semi‑abstract formation. A back‑turned figure dominates the foreground, while a second figure raises an arm in the middle ground, suggesting gesture or tension. The surrounding hues and intersecting red lines imply an emotional undercurrent, inviting viewers to contemplate the psychological ties among the bodies.
Technique & Style
Munch employs loose, expressive brushwork characteristic of his post‑impressionist phase, emphasizing mood over precise form. A palette of blues and browns is punctuated by occasional reds and greens, creating a muted yet dynamic visual field. The handling of paint conveys a sense of movement and inner turbulence, aligning with his focus on emotional expression.
History & Provenance
The painting emerged after Munch’s formative years at Oslo’s Royal School of Art and Design and his involvement with the radical thinker Hans Jæger, influences that shaped his introspective approach. Since its creation, the piece has remained within the Munch Museum’s holdings, where it continues to be displayed as part of the artist’s extensive oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
