Women at the Harvest
- Original dimensions
- 225 x 450 cm
- Museum
- University of Oslo Aula
- Year
- 1915
Scene depicted
The canvas "Women at the Harvest" depicts with rare intensity a scene of agricultural work, where women bustle together in a landscape vibrant with colors. Their silhouettes, imbued with strength and devotion, evoke communion with the earth, integrating each harvested grain into their personal history.
Historical context
Created in 1915, during a period marked by the turmoil of World War I, the painting "Women at the Harvest" is set in a unique historical and cultural context, that of Expressionism . This emblematic work of Edvard Munch , currently exhibited at the University of Oslo, captures the essence of the struggles and joys of rural women, while transcending the limits of its time.
Place in the artist's career
This painting marks a turning point in the career of Edvard Munch , revealing a bold and mature style. It contrasts with earlier works like "The Scream" and "Madonna," illustrating an evolution towards themes of conviviality and human interconnectedness, while preserving a palpable emotional intensity.
Anecdote
Edvard Munch once stated: "The harvest is the dance of life, where each woman carries with her the hope and labor of our ancestors." This quote resonates in every brushstroke of the painting , inspired by a morning vibrant with energy and promises, over the golden fields of Norway.