Artwork

Sunrays

Sunrays, by Edvard Munch, charcoal, 1910
Sunrays, by Edvard Munch, charcoal, 1910

Sunrays is a charcoal painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Sunrays is a 1910 oil painting by Edvard Munch, characterized by its abstract composition and expressive use of color. The work departs from representational art, instead emphasizing emotional and psychological depth.

Subject & Meaning

While not depicting a specific subject, Sunrays conveys a sense of gentle, shimmering light through its color palette and brushwork, evoking an emotional state rather than a physical scene.

Technique & Style

Munch employed loose, expressive brushstrokes and visible texture in Sunrays, typical of post-impressionist techniques. The palette features soft pastels, predominantly pink, yellow, and blue, with accents of red, blending and merging to create depth and movement.

History & Provenance

Sunrays is part of the collection at the Munch Museum, reflecting the institution's dedication to preserving the artist's oeuvre.

Context

Created in 1910, Sunrays sits within Munch's post-impressionist output, a period where he prioritized capturing inner experiences over external realities.

Legacy

As an example of Munch's abstract and emotionally charged work, Sunrays contributes to the broader understanding of his post-impressionist contributions and the evolution of expressive painting techniques.

The Human Mountain: Sunrays
The Human Mountain: Sunrays, 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.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Sunrays?

Sunrays was painted by Edvard Munch in 1910.

Where can I see Sunrays?

Sunrays is held by Munch Museum.

What movement is Sunrays?

Sunrays is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Sunrays?

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