Artwork
Vampire
Vampire is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1916, *Vampire* is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. Executed during his mature period, the work belongs to the collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo. It exemplifies Munch’s ongoing exploration of inner states through figurative composition, employing a palette and brushwork that convey tension and movement.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a seated nude figure, likely female, with long hair draped over her shoulders. She rests her head on her forearms, a pose that suggests introspection or vulnerability. The title and the enveloping, swirling background evoke a sense of psychological drain, aligning with Munch’s interest in themes of emotional consumption and existential angst.
Technique & Style
Munch applies oil with loose, vigorous strokes, allowing color to surge across the surface. The figure is rendered in vivid hues that contrast sharply with a darker, muted backdrop of purples, blues, and greens. This chromatic juxtaposition creates depth, while the dynamic brushwork imparts a feeling of restless energy characteristic of his post‑impressionist approach.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the holdings of the Munch Museum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s mission to preserve the artist’s oeuvre, providing insight into Munch’s late‑career investigations of mood and symbolism within the broader context of early‑20th‑century Norwegian art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
