The Four Sons of Dr. Linde (1903) by Edvard Munch

The Four Sons of Dr. Linde - Edvard Munch - 1903

Artwork Information

TitleThe Four Sons of Dr. Linde
ArtistEdvard Munch
Date1903
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions144 x 199.5 cm
Art MovementExpressionism
Current LocationBehnhaus, Lübeck, Germany

About The Four Sons of Dr. Linde

“The Four Sons of Dr. Linde” is an artwork by Edvard Munch created in 1903. The painting is an oil on canvas and adheres to the Expressionist movement. The artwork measures 144 x 199.5 centimeters and falls within the portrait genre. Currently, the painting is located at the Behnhaus in Lübeck, Germany.

The artwork presents a group portrait of four young boys, presumably the sons of Doctor Linde, as indicated by the title. They are posed in a domestic interior setting. The boys are of varying ages, capturing different stages of youth. On the left, the eldest son leans against a wall with an introspective gaze, his self-awareness palpable through his thoughtful demeanor. Next to him stands the second son, slightly shorter and more directly engaging the viewer with his gaze. His arm is protectively draped over the shoulder of the third son, a small boy in a sailor suit, his expression innocent and his eyes wide. The youngest son’s posture and look suggest a sense of wonder or unease. On the far right, the third eldest assumes a confident stance, hands thrusted into his pockets conveying a casual air of adolescent defiance or perhaps burgeoning independence.

The painting employs loose brushwork and a muted palette, typical of Munch’s expressionistic style. Facial features and bodily proportions are somewhat distorted, not aiming for photographic representation but rather for capturing the emotional and psychological states of the subjects. The boys’ expressions and body language create a narrative and evoke a sense of the personal character of each, which is characteristic of Munch’s efforts to delve into the human psyche within his art. The background is sparse and lacks detail, directing the viewer’s focus primarily on the figures themselves and the subtle interplay of their relationships, suggested by their proximity and poses.

Other Artwork from Edvard Munch

More Expressionism Artwork

Scroll to Top