Artwork
Woman with Children
Woman with Children is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edvard Munch. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Munch Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1907, *Woman with Children* is a pencil drawing by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The work depicts a nude mother flanked by two children, rendered in a restrained linear style. A modestly colored background of blue and brown provides a subdued setting, emphasizing the intimate grouping of figures.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a maternal figure, her nude form presented with calm dignity, while the children stand on either side, suggesting familial closeness. The sparse detailing and quiet atmosphere invite contemplation of the bond between mother and offspring, reflecting Munch’s ongoing interest in personal and psychological themes.
Technique & Style
Munch employed graphite pencil for the figures, using simple contour lines and subtle shading to suggest volume. Limited touches of color in the background introduce depth without distracting from the central forms. The drawing aligns with post‑impressionist tendencies toward expressive simplification and emotional resonance rather than strict realism.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced during a prolific period in Munch’s career, following his formal training at Oslo’s Royal School of Art and Design. It entered the collection of the Munch Museum, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of the artist’s early 20th‑century works.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
