Edvard Munch
1898
Oil paint on canvas
The relationship between men and women was a major theme in Edvard Munch’s work. He was particularly interested in examining the destructive potential of romantic relationships – what he described as ‘the struggle between man and woman that is called love’. In this raw, sketch-like painting, Munch stages a seemingly tense interaction between two naked figures. The subject may relate to his interest in the biblical story of Adam and Eve. However, the work’s lack of
detail leaves its narrative open to interpretation. Munch’s treatment of the figures’ flesh is immediate, as if painted from life, whereas the indeterminate setting makes the scene appear timeless.