Walter Rathenau

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn "Walter Rathenau," a 1907 work by Edvard Munch, offers us a glimpse into the artist's mature style and his insightful portrayal of human emotion. The painting depicts its subject, a man presumed to be Walter Rathenau, standing in a nondescript interior. Rathenau, painted with a somber expression, commands our attention. His dark suit and serious demeanor contrast subtly with the pale pink wall behind him, while a vibrant tapestry adds a splash of color and a sense of movement to the right. nn Munch masterfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of volume and depth, drawing our eyes to the subject's face and hands. The loose brushstrokes and the muted palette of blues, grays, and browns, with hints of pink and orange, are characteristic of Munch's later work, where he moved away from the swirling intensity of his earlier pieces like "The Scream" towards a more introspective and psychological exploration of his subjects. nn This painting is part of the permanent collection here at the Art Museums of Bergen. Munch's ability to capture the essence of human emotion and his innovative approach to painting continue to fascinate and inspire viewers over a century later.