Artwork

The Rainbow

The Rainbow, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1924
The Rainbow, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1924

The Rainbow is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1924 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Rainbow is a 1924 oil painting by Edvard Munch, a Norwegian artist known for exploring emotional and psychological themes in his work. The painting is characterized by its sketchy, unfinished quality and features a group of figures beneath a rainbow.

Subject & Meaning

The figures in the painting are depicted in various states of undress, with some embracing or touching each other, creating a dreamy and intimate atmosphere. The use of faceless figures adds to the sense of ambiguity, leaving the scene open to interpretation.

Technique & Style

Munch's post-impressionist style is evident in the painting's muted color palette, dominated by grays and whites, and its emphasis on expressive brushwork. The unfinished quality of the piece suggests a focus on capturing a moment or mood rather than creating a highly detailed representation.

History & Provenance

The Rainbow is part of the collection at the Munch Museum, reflecting the artist's significance in the history of modern art. Munch's studies at the Royal School of Art and Design and his association with the nihilist Hans Jæger influenced his artistic direction.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edvard Munch

Artist

Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.

Munch Museum

Museum

Munch Museum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Munch Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.