The artwork titled “Red and White” was created by the artist Edvard Munch between 1899 and 1900. This painting, fashioned using oil on canvas, is an embodiment of the Expressionism art movement. Measuring 93.5 x 129.5 cm, it falls under the category of genre painting—a depiction of aspects of everyday life. Presently, the artwork is part of the collection at the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway.
In “Red and White,” Munch presents us with a striking visual contrast between two figures. One figure, dressed in a vivid red garment, stands in the foreground with her arms crossed in front of her and eyes closed, seemingly caught in a moment of internal reflection or resignation. Her vibrant presence is highlighted against the more tranquil, impressionistically rendered backdrop. The figure in white stands in profile and is depicted with a aloof elegance and ethereal quality, her long blonde hair flowing behind her. This dichotomy of color and emotion suggests a narrative or symbolic relationship between the two individuals, perhaps an exploration of contrasting emotional states or identities. The tranquil blue waters and muted landscape accentuate the emotional focus of the two central figures. Munch’s use of bold colors and loose, expressive brushwork is characteristic of his style and adds to the emotional intensity of the artwork.