Female Nudes, Sitting and Lying Down
- Original dimensions
- 186.5 x 127 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1917
Scene depicted
In this painting , Munch immerses us in the intimacy of feminine forms, juxtaposing delicate bodies, sometimes sitting, sometimes reclining, as if they were frozen in a suspended moment. The postures evoke vulnerability and surrender, while the light sculpts the bodies of the models, revealing silent stories.
Historical context
Created in 1917, this painting is located in Oslo, Norway, at the heart of expressionism , a movement that explores the depth of human emotions. In a turbulent post-war context, Munch captures the complexity of feelings through his canvas , now displayed at the Munch Museum, an iconic place of his artistic legacy.
Place in the artist's career
Female Nudes, Sitting and Reclining represents a pivotal moment in Munch's career. Prior, his painting The Scream (1893) established his renown. Then, this masterpiece from 1917 marks a stylistic evolution towards a more intimate exploration of human relationships, echoing other works like The Madonna.
Anecdote
“Art is not a reflection of reality, but a reflection of the soul,” Munch said. One foggy morning, while contemplating the soft light of a studio, he cast his gaze upon female silhouettes, inspiring this pictorial work rich in emotions, a true moment of revelation that connects him to his famous painting .
Major exhibitions
Edvard Munch and his Models: 1912-1943