Model Sitting on the Couch
- Original dimensions
- 115.5 x 136.5 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1924
Scene depicted
The painting “Sitting Model on the Couch” depicts a female figure, enveloped in a climate of introspection. Sitting casually, she evokes both serenity and melancholy. Her posture and gaze, both captivating and contemplative, open a door to an emotional depth accessible only through the imaginative eye of the viewer—an essential reflection of the human being.
Historical context
Created in 1924 in Oslo, at the heart of a vibrant artistic period, Sitting Model on the Couch is part of the expressionist movement. This work, now preserved in the Munch Museum, reflects a time when art intertwined with the inner struggles of the human soul. Its majestic dimensions of 115.5 by 136.5 cm make it an imposing painting that captures the attention of art lovers.
Place in the artist's career
This painting embodies a turning point in Munch's career. It is situated at the heart of his maturity period, a pivotal moment where his style asserts itself. In comparison, works such as “The Scream” and “The Madonna” share this same exploration of human emotions, but Sitting Model on the Couch stands out for its apparent tranquility, a true evolution of intensity, both technical and emotional.
Anecdote
Edvard Munch once stated: “I paint my dreams, not my reality.” In a muted atmosphere, one spring morning, the artist found himself facing a woman whose gaze seemed to tell a story. It is this resonance that can be found in Sitting Model on the Couch , where every nuance of paint evokes the intimacy of a suspended moment.
Major exhibitions
Edvard Munch and his models: 1912-1943