“The Murderess” is an artwork by Edvard Munch, painted in 1906. This piece is an oil on canvas, measuring 69.5 x 100 cm, and is a representative work of the Expressionism movement. Categorized under genre painting, the artwork exemplifies the emotional intensity and psychological exploration characteristic of Munch’s oeuvre. It is currently housed in the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway.
The artwork depicts an unsettling domestic scene where a woman stands center stage, her face pale with what might be interpreted as shock or distress. Her red hair contrasts sharply with her dark clothing, heightening the emotional tension of the piece. In the foreground, a figure lies prone on a green bed or couch, adding a narrative ambiguity to the composition that suggests the aftermath of a violent event. The background is painted with fervent strokes of yellows and greens, with a window exhibiting both the confinement of the indoors and the tantalizing freedom of the world outside. The ambiance created by Munch’s brushwork is one of claustrophobia and psychological turmoil. The brushstrokes are loose and emotive, typical of the Expressionist dedication to conveying subjective experience over realistic depiction. The discordant colors and unsettling subject matter work together to evoke a powerful emotional response from the viewer, marking this painting as a profound example of Munch’s exploration of human existence and emotional depth.
