The painting “Starry Night” by Edvard Munch, created between 1922 and 1924, is an oil on canvas work measuring 140 x 119 cm. As part of the Expressionism movement, Munch’s landscape genre painting is currently housed at the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway. This vivid piece reflects Munch’s emotive and psychological approach to art, characteristic of the Expressionist style.
In “Starry Night,” Munch employs swirling, dynamic brushstrokes to create a mesmerizing night sky that appears alive with energy. The swirling forms in the sky suggest movement, almost as if capturing the feeling of the celestial bodies spinning or dancing in the darkness. The landscape is depicted at night, with the stars and moon casting a glow over the snow-covered terrain. The cool blues and greens of the painting conjure a sense of chilliness and quiet associated with a winter night. In the foreground, two dark figures stand out against the snow, adding a narrative element and a sense of human presence to the scene, which might evoke feelings of solitude or contemplation in the viewer. The contrast of the light emanating from the buildings in the background with the dark outlines of the landscape enhances the dramatic setting. Overall, Munch’s “Starry Night” is a poignant example of how landscape can be used to express inner emotions and the profound beauty of the natural world.
