Young Girl Sitting
- Original dimensions
- 20.5 x 32 cm
- Museum
- Not specified
- Year
- 1887
Scene depicted
This painting illustrates a young woman, sitting, lost in her thoughts. She seems to reflect on the complexity of existence, on the border between innocence and despair. The delicate features of her face, her lost gaze, invite deep introspection, while the harmonious composition plays on the duality between light and shadow, biographies of human souls.
Historical context
Born in the context of the late 19th century, in Oslo, Norway, Munch's painting reveals the sufferings and passions of his time. This painting is part of the expressionist movement, characterized by a quest for pure emotion. The work is an exploration of states of mind and inner dramas, thus revealing the psychological depth of the modern world. The current location of the painting remains unknown, but its precise dimensions enhance its intimacy as a masterpiece .
Place in the artist's career
“Young Girl Sitting” represents a pivotal moment in Munch's career. It is a sentimental exploration that precedes his famous masterpieces like “The Scream” and “The Madonna.” This painting , subtle in its approach, illustrates his development towards a richer and more symbolic visual language, laying the groundwork for a work that will impact the upcoming expressionist movement.
Anecdote
“Art is the voice of the soul, and each work is a confession.” It was in an alley in Oslo, one spring morning, that Munch crossed the piercing gaze of a young girl. It is this image, both sweet and melancholic, that nourishes the genesis of the masterpiece . The painting carries this fleeting moment, imbued with universal humanity.