Old Trees c.1923-25, Private collection Edvard Munch (1863-1944)

The composition presents a landscape dominated by elongated, vertical forms that appear as trees or perhaps stylized vegetation. These elements rise from a pale, almost monochromatic ground plane, which is subtly differentiated through variations in tone and texture. A small structure, possibly a house, sits atop a gentle incline on the left side of the canvas, rendered with simplified geometry and muted colors.
The color palette is characterized by a juxtaposition of cool blues and greens against warmer yellows, pinks, and oranges. These hues are not applied realistically; instead, they contribute to an overall sense of emotional intensity and abstraction. The brushwork is loose and expressive, with visible strokes that convey movement and energy across the surface.
The trees themselves seem to writhe or twist upwards, their forms distorted and elongated in a manner that suggests both vitality and perhaps a degree of suffering. They lack distinct foliage; instead, they are defined by broad bands of color that create an impression of flickering light and shadow. The ground appears almost liquid, lacking clear definition and contributing to the dreamlike quality of the scene.
A sense of melancholy pervades the work. The muted colors, distorted forms, and absence of traditional landscape markers evoke a feeling of isolation and introspection. The small house on the hill seems distant and unreachable, further emphasizing this emotional distance. It is possible that the painting explores themes of natures resilience in the face of adversity or perhaps reflects a personal struggle with loss or change.
The composition’s lack of clear perspective and its flattened planes contribute to an unsettling effect. The viewer is denied a comfortable vantage point; instead, they are immersed within a world that feels both familiar and strangely alien. This deliberate disruption of spatial conventions suggests a desire to move beyond mere representation and delve into the realm of subjective experience.