Ebba Ridderstad and Marika Pauli
- Original dimensions
- 85 x 42 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1935
Scene depicted
On this canvas, Edvard Munch succeeds in capturing a precious moment between two women, Ebba and Marika, who seem lost in a silent dialogue. The background evokes a lush nature, both serene and unsettling, reflecting their inner thoughts. Each exchanged glance becomes a narrative in itself, an expression of human intimacy, redefined by the delicacy of the features and the depth of the colors.
Historical context
This iconic work, created in 1935, is set in the vibrant milieu of expressionist art, a pivotal period where Edvard Munch , an emblematic figure of Norway, managed to capture the essence of his contemporaries through a prism of color and form. The painting is now housed in the Munch Museum in Oslo, a place dedicated to the legacy of this bold artist, where each brushstroke seems to resonate with the breath of history.
Place in the artist's career
This painting stands out as one of Munch's major works, marking a phase of maturity in his career, at the crossroads of impressionist influences and his existential quest. Comparable to his other works such as “The Scream” and “The Madonna,” this canvas marks an evolution towards a more personal introspection while maintaining a powerful visual narrative.
Anecdote
“What is within us can only be revealed through creation,” Munch might have declared while speaking of his inspiration for this masterpiece, felt one bright morning when the golden reflections of the sun danced on the faces of Ebba and Marika, two figures who embody the beauty and complexity of the human soul. The emotional strength of this canvas is rooted in this unique moment, inviting everyone to explore the depths of their own experience.
Major exhibitions
Edvard Munch : portraits