“Fertility II” is an artwork by Edvard Munch, an iconic figure in the Expressionist movement. Created in 1902, this genre painting was executed using oil on canvas, measuring 128 by 152 centimeters. The artwork represents a thematic exploration of fertility and is housed in the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway.
The artwork depicts a bucolic scene with two central figures: a woman to the left and a man to the right, both portrayed within a verdant landscape. The woman stands erect, her gaze averted from the viewer, cradling what appears to be a sheaf of wheat or a similar harvest product in her hands. She is dressed in a long dress with a white apron, her attire and demeanor suggesting a connection to traditional rural life. The man also appears in attire typical of the countryside—a long-sleeve shirt and trousers, topped with a straw hat. He is slightly turned towards the woman, bearing a relaxed posture with his hands resting casually in his pockets.
Between them is a sinuous tree, a recurring motif in Munch’s work, often symbolizing life and growth. The bold and somewhat abstract use of color and form, characteristic of Munch’s Expressionistic style, imbues the scene with an emotional resonance that transcends the simple depiction of rural figures. The palette is made up of vibrant greens, indicating lush vegetation, juxtaposed with the solid earth tones of the figures and the bright colors of the fruits and leaves in the tree.
Overall, the painting conveys a sense of fecundity and the natural cycle of life, reflecting the larger themes of reproduction and continuity that are central to human experience. The expressive brushwork and composition engage the viewer in contemplating the universal aspects of human existence as seen through the lens of a simple, pastoral moment.
