The artwork “Building the Winter Studio. Ekely” is a seminal piece by the renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, created in the year 1929. This oil on canvas reflects the Expressionist style that Munch is revered for, and it measures 149 x 115 cm. Classified as a sketch and study, the painting is part of the collection housed at the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway.
In the artwork, one observes a scene of construction, where the framework of a building is prominently displayed. The painting’s composition is vibrant, employing a sketch-like quality that conveys a sense of immediacy and activity. The brushwork is loose and expressive, with lines delineating the wooden beams and scaffolding, suggesting the transient and unfinished state of the structure. A muted but diverse palette shows influence of natural light and shadow, while figures are seen engaged in the labor of building — perhaps carpenters or workers moving about amidst the construction materials.
The dynamics of the scene are further emphasized by the positioning of the subjects and the perspective Munch chooses. The building appears prominent and central, occupied by figures who provide a human element and scale, while also indicating the purposeful human endeavor in creating art and architecture despite the chill of winter. The background may suggest a sky or further development of the environment, but it retains a dreamlike, abstract quality typical of Munch’s approach to depicting both reality and emotional resonance.
Despite its study-like status, “Building the Winter Studio. Ekely” stands on its own as a testament to Munch’s exploration of human enterprise and his mastery in capturing the essence of a moment with both emotion and energy.
