Artwork
The Murderess
The Murderess is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Murderess is an oil painting created by Edvard Munch in 1906, characterized by its somber and introspective mood. The work features a woman in a room with a mix of vibrant and dark tones, alongside ambiguous elements that contribute to its emotional depth.
Subject & Meaning
However, Munch's interpretation focuses on a solitary female figure, clad in a pink blouse and black pants, with long blonde hair and a black choker.
Contrary to its title suggesting a depiction of a murderer, the painting's subject is actually inspired by the death of Jean-Paul Marat, referencing Jacques-Louis David’s *The Death of Marat*. However, Munch's interpretation focuses on a solitary female figure, clad in a pink blouse and black pants, with long blonde hair and a black choker. Her expression and the overall scene convey a sense of introspection and psychological turmoil, typical of Munch's exploration of inner states.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, *The Murderess* embodies Munch's expressive post-impressionist style, marked by bold, expressive brushwork and a vibrant yet muted color palette. The composition balances warm (oranges, reds) and cool (darker tones) hues, enhancing the piece's emotional complexity. A dark, indistinct form on the left contrasts with the clearer, more detailed figure of the woman and the still life of fruit on the table to her right.
History & Provenance
Created in 1906, *The Murderess* is part of Edvard Munch's body of work exploring psychological depth and personal turmoil. The painting is currently housed in the Munch Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
