hospital block
- Original dimensions
- 139.5 x 80 cm
- Museum
- Munch museum
- Year
- 1897
Scene depicted
The painting "hospital block" depicts a poignant scene in a hospital space, where sadness and human resilience are inextricably intertwined. The figures, often wavering, emerge in an atmosphere charged with emotion, embodying the individual struggle against illness, while questioning our relationship with suffering and death.
Historical context
Created in 1897 in Oslo, this painting illustrates the expressionist movement of which Edvard Munch is one of the pioneers. In this era marked by cultural and social upheavals, the painting "hospital block" resonates like a visual scream, capturing human emotions in the face of suffering and the fragility of life. Today, this canvas is exhibited at the Munch museum, a true sanctuary of the work of this iconic artist.
Place in the artist's career
"hospital block" is situated at a turning point in Munch's career, representing a maturity in his use of color and form. In contrast to his earlier works like "The Scream" and "The Madonna," this painting illustrates an evolution towards a more personal and psychological exploration of themes, reflecting human anxiety and hope.
Anecdote
Edvard Munch once stated, "I do not paint what I see, but what I feel." This phrase evokes the genesis of his masterpiece , one winter night when he lost himself in the thoughts of suffering souls. This emotion nourished the genesis of the painting we celebrate here, a canvas full of life and pain.