“The Sick Child (later),” created by Edvard Munch in 1907, is an oil on canvas artwork that exemplifies the Expressionist movement. With dimensions of 120 by 118.5 cm, this genre painting is currently housed at the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway. The artwork conveys intense emotional depth and touches upon themes of illness and loss, which are recurrent in Munch’s oeuvre.
The artwork depicts a poignant scene featuring two figures: a child who appears feeble and bedridden, and an adult who seems to be a caretaker or a close relative, possibly the child’s mother, seated beside the bed. The caregiver’s face is inclined towards the child, suggesting a deep sense of concern or sorrow. Both faces are rendered with expressive brush strokes that convey the emotional weight of the moment.
The child’s complexion is pale, indicative of illness, and Munch’s use of color accentuates the somber atmosphere with muted, earthy tones. There is a distinct sense of intimacy and quiet despair conveyed through the composition and the close proximity of the figures. The background is minimally detailed, allowing the viewer to focus on the emotional interaction between the two individuals. The artwork thus stands as a striking example of Munch’s exceptional ability to capture the depth of human emotion on canvas.
