“The Dead Mother” is an evocative artwork by Edvard Munch, dating from 1899 to 1900. This oil on canvas is a quintessential example of the Expressionism movement and a genre painting by nature. The artwork measures 99 x 90 cm and is currently housed at the Kunsthalle Bremen in Bremen, Germany.
The artwork expresses a profound emotional experience through its depiction of a young girl standing with her hands over her ears. Her wide eyes convey a sense of shock or consternation, possibly in response to the sight of her deceased mother, who is implied to be the figure lying on the bed in the background. The use of color and the loose, almost frantic brushstrokes are characteristic of Munch’s style, which aims to portray intense psychological themes. The muted and earthy palette evokes a somber atmosphere, with the sharp contrast of the bright white of the girl’s dress emphasizing her innocence and the dramatic impact of the scene. The composition is striking in its simplicity and the raw emotion it encapsulates.
