Cheek by Cheek
- Original dimensions
- 80.5 x 65 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1919
Scene depicted
The painting Joue contre joue focuses on a fleeting moment of human closeness. Two figures are close together, their faces tenderly brushing against each other. The work captures the intimacy of a meeting, where the emotional exchange becomes palpable to the eye. The canvas reflects a soft, almost surreal atmosphere, where silences speak as much as gestures; a delicate capture of a precious bond.
Historical context
Created in 1919, in Oslo, the Norwegian capital rich in history, the painting Joue contre joue is part of an artistic movement centered around expressionism , where the human spirit is highlighted. This painting, currently housed in the Munch Museum, reflects the tumultuous emotional experiences of the artist and presents itself with captivating dimensions of 80.5 x 65 cm.
Place in the artist's career
Joue contre joue represents a significant milestone in Munch's career, marking a period of artistic maturity. Alongside other paintings such as The Scream and The Madonna , this painting explores the complexity of human emotions, showing an evolution towards a softer and more introspective expression of the human condition.
Anecdote
“Every face I see hides an untold story.” On a spring morning, while strolling through a quiet alley in Oslo, Munch sees two friends greet each other with gentle tenderness. This simple yet emotionally charged scene inspires him to create his next pictorial work , giving birth to this masterpiece full of human warmth.
Major exhibitions
Edvard Munch and his models: 1912-1943