Study of a Model

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: Study of a Model, painted in 1898 by Edvard Munch. nn This captivating piece, housed here at the Munch Museum, draws us into a moment of quiet contemplation. The woman stands against a dark, undefined background, almost as if emerging from the shadows themselves. Notice how Munch positions her in a three-quarter view, her body slightly turned away, while her head gently tilts to the left, offering us a glimpse of her profile. Her downward gaze suggests a sense of introspection, perhaps even melancholy. nn The color palette is striking in its simplicity. The woman's pale pink top, almost ethereal against the dark background, draws our eye immediately to her figure. The flowing red of her skirt, rendered with loose, expressive brushstrokes, adds a touch of vibrancy and movement to the composition. Munch masterfully utilizes light and shadow, creating volume and depth, particularly in the folds of her skirt and the delicate features of her face. nn Study of a Model exemplifies Munch's distinctive style, characterized by psychological depth and emotional rawness. Through his bold use of color and form, he invites us to contemplate not just the outward appearance of the model, but also her inner world.