Model with Hands on Knees
- Original dimensions
- 68 x 90.5 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1926
Scene depicted
This painting, Model with Hands on Knees , unfolds a contemplative figure, seated in a moment of introspection. The hands resting on the knees tell a story of vulnerability and reflection, while the background evokes a muted atmosphere, conducive to meditation. The delicate posture of the model suggests a fragile connection between body and soul, embracing the mystery surrounding the human condition. The work is an invitation to explore the deepest thoughts and invisible emotions.
Historical context
Created in 1926, Model with Hands on Knees is located in Oslo, at the heart of Norway, immersed in the tumultuous expressionist movement. This painting, emblematic of its time, flourishes within the Munch Museum, preserving the legacy of a bold artist. Wrapped in an atmosphere where art and introspection converge, this painting bears witness to the turmoil and passions of a changing world.
Place in the artist's career
Model with Hands on Knees marks a turning point in Munch's expressive career, revealing the maturity of an artist who oscillates between the intimate and the universal. Like The Scream and The Madonna , this painting embodies an aesthetic quest where form merges with the psychological, shedding light on the evolution of his unique style.
Anecdote
“Life is a mix of light and shadow, and each model brings their story.” Edvard Munch intensely felt solitude and melancholy; he drew inspiration from fleeting encounters and deep thoughts, capturing this essence in every brushstroke of his masterpiece . In this studio bathed in soft light, this painting comes to life, revealing a vibrant inner world through the silence of the model's hands.
Major exhibitions
Edvard Munch and his Models: 1912-1943