Madonna is a painting by the Norwegian expressionist Edvard Munch. Munch painted five versions of the Madonna between 1894 and 1895, using oils on canvas. One of them measures 91 x 70.5 cm.
One version belongs to the Munch Museum of Oslo: this was stolen in 2004 and recovered two years later. Another is owned by businessman Nelson Blitz.
Although it is a highly unusual representation, nevertheless, this painting is of Mary, the mother of Jesus. U...
more
Madonna is a painting by the Norwegian expressionist Edvard Munch. Munch painted five versions of the Madonna between 1894 and 1895, using oils on canvas. One of them measures 91 x 70.5 cm.
One version belongs to the Munch Museum of Oslo: this was stolen in 2004 and recovered two years later. Another is owned by businessman Nelson Blitz.
Although it is a highly unusual representation, nevertheless, this painting is of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Until the 20th century Mary was usually represented in high art as a chaste, mature woman.. True to the Norwegian cultural beliefs and way of life, the painting is a strong dose of realism. Ms. Sigrun Rafter, an art historian at the Oslo National Gallery suggests that Munch intended to represent Mary in the life-making act of intercourse, with the sanctity and sensuality of the union captured by Munch. The usual golden halo of Mary has been replaced with a red halo symbolizing the love and pain duality. The viewer's viewpoint is that of the man...
less
