#39559 Edvard Munch (1863-1944)

The composition presents a woman holding a child, rendered in a style characterized by expressive brushwork and a muted, predominantly green palette. The figure of the woman dominates the canvas; she is clad in dark, heavy clothing – a long coat over a full skirt – that contributes to an impression of somberness and perhaps even constraint. Her face, though partially obscured, conveys a sense of weariness or distress, with pronounced lines around the eyes and mouth.
The child held within her arms appears fragile and vulnerable. The infant’s skin is pale, almost sickly in its tone, contrasting sharply with the darker hues surrounding it. The posture of the child – lying limp against the womans chest – suggests illness or weakness. A white cloth partially covers the child, adding to the feeling of fragility and protection.
The background is a swirling mass of green tones, applied with broad, energetic strokes that create a sense of unease and instability. The limited color range reinforces the overall mood of melancholy and despair. There’s an absence of clear spatial depth; the figures seem pressed against the picture plane, intensifying their emotional impact.
The painting evokes themes of maternal responsibility, suffering, and vulnerability. It is likely that the artist intended to portray a scene of hardship or loss, possibly related to poverty, illness, or death within a family unit. The woman’s stoic expression suggests an acceptance of difficult circumstances, while the childs helplessness underscores the fragility of life. The overall effect is one of profound sadness and quiet desperation.