May 17 in a small Norwegian town
- Original dimensions
- 114 x 90 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1919
Scene depicted
This canvas depicts a festive scene where children, adults, and floating flags mingle in a jubilant waltz. The radiant faces, the sweet sound of drums, and the aromas of traditional dishes intertwine to celebrate Norway's cultural heritage, creating a living tableau imbued with joy and nostalgia.
Historical context
Created in 1919, this painting emanates from a time when Europe was trying to rise from its ashes. Munch, emblematic of expressionism , captures here the essence of a day of celebration in a Norwegian town. Currently exhibited at the Munch Museum in Oslo, this canvas unfolds a vibrant atmosphere, that of a national holiday embodied by lights and laughter.
Place in the artist's career
The 17th of May in a Small Norwegian Town marks a period of maturity for Munch, where his style, already recognized with The Scream and The Dance of Life, strengthens. This canvas illustrates his ability to merge human emotion with the beauty of everyday life, thus anchoring itself in a significant artistic evolution.
Anecdote
“The light of spring days has always been an irresistible charm for me.” This quote summarizes the very essence of the masterpiece . Inspired by a morning stroll in a color-adorned alley, Munch managed to capture this fleeting emotion, infusing the canvas with an unparalleled evocative force.