Taken by Surprise
1907
oil
From the collection of Munch Museum
1907
oil
From the collection of Munch Museum
This painting depicts a man in a dark suit and white shirt, with a red beard and hair. He is positioned in the foreground, looking directly at the viewer. Behind him, there are three figures, two women and a man, who appear to be in conversation. The background is a mix of green and yellow hues, with some darker shades. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of surprise, as if the man in the foreground has just been startled by something. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, giving the painting a sense of energy and movement. To learn more about the artist's use of impasto, a technique that involves applying thick layers of paint to create texture and depth, look up the term "impasto".
