houses in Maridalen
- Original dimensions
- 31 x 22 cm
- Museum
- Not specified
- Year
- 1881
Scene depicted
The painting “houses in Maridalen” depicts a scene that reveals the harmony between human architecture and the surrounding nature, with peaceful houses surrounded by lush vegetation. Munch, by distancing the subject from pain and anxiety, invites us to rediscover calm, offering a new perspective on the ordinary beauty of everyday life.
Historical context
Created in 1881, this iconic painting by Edvard Munch evokes the tranquility of Maridalen, an idyllic neighborhood in Oslo, Norway. At that time, the artist was part of the Symbolist movement, which sought to express deep emotions through reality. Although the current museum is not specified for this painting , its fine dimensions of 31 x 22 cm testify to the delicacy of the canvas .
Place in the artist's career
This painting , although predating his most famous works such as “The Scream” and “The Madonna,” marks a crucial moment in Munch's career. It illustrates his transition from a young artist to a master of the canvas , always seeking to capture the ephemeral and the emotional. At the same time, the connection between “houses in Maridalen,” “The Scream,” and “The Madonna” highlights an evolution towards deeper themes.
Anecdote
“I paint dreams, not objects” could have declared Edvard Munch . That day, in the soft morning light, he was walking down a quiet alley, observing the houses gilded by the first rays. In the fleeting moment of inspiration, his painting captured this ephemeral beauty, a moment of serenity that continues to resonate with our soul through this masterpiece .