Beginning of Spring
- Original dimensions
- 85 x 65 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1916
Scene depicted
This painting depicts the stirring of nature awakening, with flowering trees and vibrant colors that breathe new life. Each brushstroke in this painting evokes the hope and grace of the first days of warmth. The figures, though subtle, communicate an inextricable bond with the nature surrounding them, exuding an atmosphere of harmony and tranquility.
Historical context
Created in 1916, this painting was born in a particular context in Oslo, at the heart of Norway, a period marked by the turmoil of World War I. Munch, an iconic figure of the expressionist movement, captured the essence of a budding spring, where the rebirth of nature intertwines with the inner struggles of the human soul. Currently, this precious canvas is preserved at the Munch Museum, having found its place among the collections that celebrate his artistic legacy, gracefully measuring 85 by 65 cm.
Place in the artist's career
Spring Awakening represents a turning point in the career of Edvard Munch , symbolizing a period of artistic maturity where he abandons the torments of his past to embrace the beauty of existence. This painting stands between two other iconic works: The Madonna, which highlights chaotic passion, and The Scream, emblem of despair. Together, they trace a rich emotional journey where the light of hope gradually asserts itself.
Anecdote
“Spring is the breath of life that awakens even the most dormant hearts.” Reminiscing the twilight of a bright morning, Munch encountered the glow of a sun piercing through the mist. It is this ephemeral moment that captivated his vision, infusing emotional depth into his masterpiece , Spring Awakening.
Major exhibitions
Munch og Ekely: 1916-1944