Jonas Lie with his family
- Original dimensions
- 219 x 140 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1909
Scene depicted
In this canvas , Munch depicts the central figure of Jonas Lie surrounded by his family, capturing a delicate moment. With his gaze fixed on the horizon, he seems lost in silent contemplation, encouraged by the warm proximity of his loved ones. This painting illustrates the beauty and complexity of the bonds woven over time.
Historical context
Created in Oslo, Norway, in 1909, this painting belongs to a period when Edvard Munch explores the emotional nuances of human relationships. The work, emblematic of the expressionist movement, captures the very essence of family bonds through powerful features and plays of light. Currently, this canvas is preserved at the Munch Museum, where its visual impact continues to awaken the senses of visitors.
Place in the artist's career
This masterpiece represents a significant milestone in Munch's career, where he sublimates emotions through family portraits. Compared to other compositions like “The Scream” and “The Madonna,” this work reveals an evolution in the expression of intimate feelings and their pictorial representation. Munch begins here to merge the intimate and the collective, a hallmark of his distinctive style.
Anecdote
“Family is the mirror of our soul,” Munch said, drawing inspiration during melancholic spring walks through the streets of Oslo. One morning, as the soft light caressed the faces of his loved ones, he felt a deep connection that nourished the evocative power of this pictorial work.
Major exhibitions
Edvard Munch : portraits