Artwork

Winter Forest

Winter Forest, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1927
Winter Forest, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1927

Winter Forest is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1927, *Winter Forest* is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work presents a quiet, snow‑laden woodland, centered on a solitary evergreen whose branches rise against a pale sky. The composition is held in the permanent collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo.

Subject & Meaning

The scene focuses on a single, snow‑covered tree whose slightly bent trunk and upward‑stretching limbs dominate the canvas. Surrounding bare trunks recede into the distance, emphasizing solitude and the stillness of a winter landscape. The muted palette and restrained atmosphere invite contemplation of nature’s quiet resilience.

Technique & Style

Munch employs loose, expressive brushwork typical of his post‑impressionist phase, layering shades of gray, brown and muted green to render snow and bark. The texture of the paint adds depth to the foliage and ground, while the restrained color scheme reinforces the calm, wintry mood.

History & Provenance

Painted during the later period of Munch’s career, the work reflects his continued interest in landscape after earlier figurative explorations. It entered the collection of the Munch Museum, where it remains on display as part of the institution’s effort to represent the breadth of his oeuvre.

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

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