Under the Stars
- Original dimensions
- 120.5 x 90.5 cm
- Museum
- Munch Museum
- Year
- 1900
Scene depicted
In this emblematic composition, Edvard Munch immerses us in a nocturnal scene where figures stand close to one another, under a sky vibrant with stars. The painting seems to capture the intimacy of human emotions, blending solitude and union. Their silhouettes, almost ghostly, evoke a quest for comfort in the vastness of the night, where each star could be a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
Historical context
Created in the excitement of the late 19th century in Norway, the painting Under the Stars is part of the expressionist movement, echoing the torments and mysteries of the human soul. It is in Oslo that this memorable canvas currently resides, at the Munch Museum, where it captures the gaze of visitors and transports them into a dreamlike universe. Its generous dimensions of 120.5 x 90.5 cm make it a majestic work, perfectly suited to its fascinating subject.
Place in the artist's career
Under the Stars represents a major milestone in the career of Edvard Munch , symbolizing his transition to a more assertive expressiveness. Alongside other works like The Scream and The Madonna , this painting reveals a growing artistic maturity, where technique and emotion merge to deliver a poignant message. The transition to an abstraction narrated by vibrant colors echoes his personal narrative, thus reinforcing his status as an icon of expressionism .
Anecdote
“At night, I seek a light that illuminates my thoughts, like these stars lighting up the darkness,” could have said Edvard Munch when reflecting on the genesis of his masterpiece . This canvas is the result of a deep inspiration born from a quiet evening, where the painter allowed his emotions to express themselves through each brushstroke. While contemplating the starry skies, he managed to capture the intensity of this spiritual connection with the universe.
Major exhibitions
Munch og Warnemünde: 1907-1908