Moonlight(c. 1885)
Edvard Munch, Norwegian,1863-1944
Oil on Canvas, 43"x36.5", National Gallery, Oslo, Norway “If I do not know what to paint, I paint landscapes” Edvard Munch confided to his friend. In this painting (c. 1885) he has left out human drama, which is a signature element in many of his paintings. Munch's mother died when he was five years old and he was raised by his poverty-stricked, pious father who disliked Edvard's art career choice. Edvard says, “ In my art, I attempt to explain my life and its meaning to myself.” His journey led him to reject Impressionism. He instead pursued the expression of his emotions. Although he experienced much criticism for his raw expressive art, the rejection did not seem to bother him for he saw it as stirred emotion from others and he enjoyed the conflict and fury.