The artwork, titled “The Murder of Andreas Baader,” was created by Odd Nerdrum between 1977 and 1978. This piece, associated with the Contemporary Realism and Neo-baroque movements, belongs to the genres of history painting and genre painting. It is presently housed at the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo, Norway.
In the artwork, a dramatic scene is depicted with remarkable intensity. Four men are illustrated in a tense moment under dim lighting, creating stark contrasts and deep shadows that heighten the high drama. Central to the composition is an almost nude figure, being forcibly restrained by other strong, forceful characters around him. Each figure exhibits strong emotions and physical exertion, emphasizing the violence and tension of the situation. The carefully orchestrated light and shadow on the figures further enriches the painting, accentuating the painting’s emotive potency and narrative depth.
