The Sun
- Original dimensions
- 205.5 x 163 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1910
Scene depicted
In this luminous composition, light is both a character and an atmosphere. Munch depicts the infinity of a diaphanous sky, overflowing with golden and orange hues, evoking hope and rebirth. Human silhouettes emerge in the background, almost like silent witnesses to this celestial spectacle, inviting the viewer to feel the warmth of a radiant sun.
Historical context
Created in 1910 in the heart of Oslo, the painting emblematic of Edvard Munch is part of the expressionist movement. In a time when Europe trembles under sociopolitical upheavals, Munch elevates daylight to make it the protagonist of his canvas . Currently exhibited at the Munch Museum, this painting measures 205.5 x 163 cm, capturing a vibrant essence deeply rooted in its time.
Place in the artist's career
The Sun positions itself in a pivotal period of Munch's career. It is a stylistic peak, where he returns to his muralist roots after his earlier explorations. Echoing The Dance of Life and The Scream , this painting marks a transition. Munch, in search of harmony, defines a unique pictorial language, shaped by complex emotions.
Anecdote
“The art of a man is the art of an event, of an emotion.” These words could almost have been whispered by Munch himself, enveloped in the colors of an April morning, where light awakens the senses. It is in these fleeting moments that the inspiration for The Sun emerges, highlighting the power of this timeless painting .