Artwork
Two Women under a Tree
Two Women under a Tree is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created during a period of mature artistic development, the painting departs from overt symbolism toward quieter, more introspective scenes.
Painted in 1909 by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, *Two Women under a Tree* is an oil-on-canvas work that reflects his enduring interest in human emotion and natural settings. Created during a period of mature artistic development, the painting departs from overt symbolism toward quieter, more introspective scenes. It resides in the Munch Museum in Oslo, where it is preserved as part of the artist’s broader exploration of psychological landscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two women standing beneath a tree, their postures calm and their interaction subdued. Dressed in modest, layered clothing, they appear absorbed in their own thoughts, with no clear narrative or interaction between them. The absence of facial detail and the stillness of the scene suggest an emphasis on inner life rather than external events, aligning with Munch’s broader preoccupation with solitude and quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
Munch employed loose, visible brushwork and a vibrant yet restrained palette to convey atmosphere rather than precise detail. The foliage and grass are rendered with energetic strokes, while the figures are simplified, blending into the landscape. The use of impasto adds texture to the tree and ground, enhancing the tactile quality of the scene. This approach reflects his post-impressionist leanings, prioritizing emotional resonance over naturalistic accuracy.
History & Provenance
Created in 1909, the painting remained in Munch’s personal collection until his death in 1944. It was later transferred to the Munch Museum in Oslo, established to house and preserve the artist’s legacy. The work has not been widely exhibited outside Norway, maintaining a quiet presence within the museum’s permanent display of his later works, which often focus on nature and introspective human figures.
Context
Munch’s later years saw a shift from the intense psychological themes of his youth toward more tranquil, nature-centered compositions. Influenced by his surroundings in Norway and his long-standing engagement with existential ideas, this period reflects a personal recalibration. The painting’s calm tone contrasts with earlier works like *The Scream*, revealing an artist seeking stillness amid enduring themes of isolation and memory.
Legacy
While less known than Munch’s expressionist masterpieces, *Two Women under a Tree* exemplifies his evolving approach to emotional expression through landscape and quiet human presence. It contributes to the understanding of his later oeuvre, where psychological depth is conveyed through subtlety rather than drama. The work remains a quiet testament to his lifelong exploration of inner states through the natural world.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
