Afternoon at Olaf Rye's Square

"Afternoon at Olaf Rye's Square", painted in 1883 by Edvard Munch, invites us to experience a slice of everyday life in the late 19th century. This charming cityscape, currently residing at the Moderna Museet, measures 25.5 cm in height and 48 cm in width, offering us an intimate glimpse into a bygone era. nn Notice how Munch bathes the scene in the warm, golden light of a setting sun. The buildings, painted in soft yellows, whites, and grays, line the background, their facades casting long, lazy shadows. A wide, unpaved street, rendered in pale yellows and browns, cuts through the center of the composition, separating the buildings from a inviting patch of green in the foreground. nn Munch populates his scene with several figures, painted as small, almost impressionistic forms. In the foreground, two children, one in a bright white dress and the other in darker clothing, stand out against the vibrant green grass alongside a woman in a long, dark skirt and a white head covering. Other figures are scattered throughout the scene, some strolling along the street, others enjoying the grassy expanse, all suggesting a peaceful, leisurely afternoon. nn The sky, a gentle expanse of pale blues and grays, hints at a clear day, with the sunlight casting a soft, almost ethereal glow over the entire scene. "Afternoon at Olaf Rye's Square" is a charming and evocative work that captures the simple beauty of everyday life, inviting us to pause and savor a moment in time.