Artwork

The Logger

The Logger, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1913
The Logger, by Edvard Munch, oil, 1913

The Logger is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1913, The Logger is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, characterized by expressive brushwork and a focus on psychological depth, hallmarks of his post-impressionist style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a solitary logger in a wooded setting, contemplatively gazing at a freshly cut tree trunk. The figure's isolation and introspective pose may reflect Munch's exploration of emotional states, a common theme in his work.

Technique & Style

Executed in bold, expressive brushstrokes, The Logger showcases Munch's distinctive technique. The logger's blue attire and the tree trunk are rendered with vibrant, textured strokes, set against a muted, layered background of greens, browns, and blues.

History & Provenance

The Logger is part of the permanent collection at the Munch Museum. While the painting's early history is not detailed here, its creation in 1913 places it within Munch's mature period, following his formative years at the Royal School of Art and Design in Oslo.

Context

Influenced by his experiences with personal loss and his association with nihilist thinker Hans Jæger, Munch's work, including The Logger, contributes to the post-impressionist movement's emphasis on emotional and psychological expression.

Legacy

The Logger, with its expressive portrayal of a contemplative figure, exemplifies Munch's contribution to modern art's shift towards introspective and emotionally charged subjects, reflecting themes that resonate beyond his contemporaries.

The Yellow Log
The Yellow Log, 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 The Logger?

The Logger was painted by Edvard Munch in 1913.

Where can I see The Logger?

The Logger is held by Munch Museum.

What movement is The Logger?

The Logger is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Logger?

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