Edvard Munch’s “The Mystery of a Summer Night” was created in 1892 as an oil on canvas piece. The artwork embodies the Symbolism movement and measures 86.5 by 124.5 cm. It is categorized as a landscape genre piece and is currently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a dusky shoreline scene subject to introspective interpretation inherent to the Symbolism movement. The canvas showcases a serene expanse of water under a twilight or nocturnal sky. Dominating the center is a vertical, glowing orb with a comet-like tail. This spectral feature juxtaposes against the formless dark mass of the water, creating a contrast that accentuates the mysterious atmosphere of the composition. In the foreground, a human-like figure reclines, part of the landscape, nestled within the earth. The painting communicates a subdued palette with an emphasis on blues and greens muted by the evening light, while ruddy accents punctuate the central motif, inviting contemplation on the relationship between humanity, nature, and the inexplicable dimensions of our existence.