“By the Deathbed (Fever)” is a piece of art executed by the artist Edvard Munch in 1893. The medium used for this artwork is pastel on board, and it measures 60 by 80 centimeters. As an exemplar of the Expressionism movement, this genre painting conveys deep emotional content. Currently, it resides in the Munch Museum located in Oslo, Norway.
The artwork portrays an emotionally charged scene centered around a deathbed. The perspective focuses on a figure lying on the bed, who appears to be suffering from an ailment, possibly in the throes of fever, as suggested by the title. Surrounding this central figure are several onlookers, each displaying a distinct emotional state which ranges from grief to despair. Their faces are rendered with Munch’s characteristic style, emphasizing the emotional rather than the physical likeness.
The use of color in the artwork is notable; it creates a somber and intense atmosphere. The reds and dark tones dominate the composition, contributing to the sense of anguish and intensity of the moment. The expressions and body language of the figures surrounding the bed are depicted in a manner that deeply engages the viewer, invoking a sense of empathy for the characters involved in this poignant moment. Munch’s ability to capture the psychological tension is evident, effectively reflecting the existential concerns characteristic of the Expressionist movement.