Artwork

Apple Tree

Apple Tree, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1920
Apple Tree, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1920

Apple Tree is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1920, Apple Tree is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work presents a single apple tree set within a broader landscape, rendered with the vivid palette and expressive brushwork typical of Munch’s mature period. It is part of the permanent collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on an isolated tree whose dark trunk supports a canopy of bright green foliage and striking red fruit. The contrast between the luminous apples and the surrounding leaves suggests a focus on vitality amid solitude, reflecting Munch’s ongoing interest in psychological states and the tension between life and isolation.

Technique & Style

Executed in a post‑impressionist idiom, the painting employs bold, gestural brushstrokes that animate the surface. Munch’s use of saturated greens, yellows, and blues, alongside the intense reds of the apples, creates a dynamic interplay of color that heightens the sense of movement and emotional resonance within the scene.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the work entered the holdings of the Munch Museum, where it remains on display. The painting’s provenance is straightforward, having been acquired directly by the museum as part of its effort to assemble a comprehensive representation of Munch’s oeuvre.

Apple Tree by the Studio
Apple Tree by the Studio, Edvard Munch

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edvard Munch

Artist

Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian:; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.

Munch Museum

Museum

Munch Museum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Munch Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Apple Tree?

Apple Tree was painted by Edvard Munch in 1920.

Where can I see Apple Tree?

Apple Tree is held by Munch Museum.

What movement is Apple Tree?

Apple Tree is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Apple Tree?

Museum-quality prints of Apple Tree are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.