img647 Edvard Munch (1863-1944)

The drawing presents a scene within what appears to be a modest tavern or public house. Two men occupy the foreground, positioned around a small table laden with bottles and glasses. The man on the left is seated, his posture suggesting weariness or contemplation. He wears a dark cap and a blue jacket over denim trousers; his hands are clasped in his lap, contributing to an overall impression of quiet resignation. His gaze seems directed downwards, avoiding direct engagement with the viewer or his companion.
The second man, situated on the right side of the composition, is seated as well, though his posture is less defined. He appears to be engaged in some activity involving the bottles on the table, perhaps pouring a drink. The lighting highlights his face and upper body, while obscuring details about his attire.
To the left of the men, a tall, slender bottle stands upon a small, ornate table. A window dominates the background, its multiple panes reflecting light in a manner that suggests an overcast day or diffused illumination. The color palette is dominated by muted tones – blues, browns, and yellows – which contribute to a somber and melancholic atmosphere.
The artist’s technique involves loose, expressive strokes, creating a sense of immediacy and capturing the texture of the surfaces depicted. Theres a deliberate lack of sharp definition; forms are suggested rather than precisely rendered. This stylistic choice reinforces the feeling of transience and quiet observation characteristic of the scene. The composition evokes themes of working-class life, solitude, and perhaps a subtle commentary on the passage of time within a confined space. A sense of unspoken narrative hangs in the air – what events have led these men to this place, and what thoughts occupy their minds?