On the Veranda Staircase
- Original dimensions
- 77 x 89.5 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1922
Scene depicted
In this painting, Munch depicts a stunning composition that evokes a woman sitting on the stairs, absorbed in her thoughts. The vibrant garden surrounding her blends with her silhouette, symbolizing the union between the human being and nature. The colors and shapes intertwine, creating a frozen moment where melancholy and memory coexist, offering a glimpse of the intrinsic beauty of everyday life.
Historical context
This painting emblematic was born in 1922, in Oslo, in the vibrant context of the expressionist movement. Edvard Munch , defender of human emotions, captures here a particularly intense intimacy, full of light and melancholy. Currently exhibited at the Munch Museum, this canvas stands out for its generous dimensions, inviting the viewer to dive into its poetic universe.
Place in the artist's career
This painting positions itself as a turning point in Munch's career, merging his recurring themes of anxiety and introspection. In contrast to The Scream and The Madonna , it represents a quest for serenity through delicate introspection, witnessing a gradual evolution towards a brighter and more soothing aesthetic.
Anecdote
“The veranda is a place where the soul rests, cradled by the whispers of the garden,” said Munch. This masterpiece was inspired by a quiet morning, when the sweet scent of flowers rose and enveloped the scene in a mystical aura. Through this canvas , the artist manages to convey this fleeting emotion, anchoring the viewer in its intimacy.
Major exhibitions
Munch og Ekely: 1916-1944