Who painted Trees by the Sea?

Trees by the Sea was painted by Edvard Munch in 1909.

Where can I see Trees by the Sea?

Trees by the Sea is held by Munch Museum.

What movement is Trees by the Sea?

Trees by the Sea is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Trees by the Sea?

Museum-quality prints of Trees by the Sea are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Trees by the Sea

Edvard Munch , 1909

Trees by the Sea is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1909, Trees by the Sea is an oil painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work presents a coastal landscape that combines a solitary, robust tree with a low fence, a grassy plain and a tranquil fjord extending toward distant hills. Its palette is muted, and the composition is anchored by the central tree’s strong silhouette.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays the town of Kragerø, a seaside locale familiar to Munch, emphasizing the interaction between natural forms and human-made boundaries. The dominant tree, rendered with vigorous strokes, suggests resilience amid the open landscape, while the understated fence and calm water convey a sense of quiet separation between cultivated space and the broader environment.

Technique & Style

Munch employs loose, expressive brushwork characteristic of his post‑impressionist phase. Thick, verdant strokes build the tree’s foliage, whereas the sky and water are treated with softer, blended marks that recede into the horizon. The surface shows limited impasto, allowing the texture of the tree to stand out against the smoother background.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered the collection of the Munch Museum in Oslo, where it remains on display. The work reflects a period when Munch explored landscape subjects alongside his more widely known figurative pieces, contributing to the museum’s representation of his varied output.

Context

Trees by the Sea belongs to a series of coastal scenes Munch produced in the early 20th century, a time when he was revisiting his native Norwegian scenery. The painting aligns with broader European trends toward expressive color and brushwork, situating Munch within the post‑impressionist movement while retaining his personal emotional tone.