The artwork titled “Girl Kindling a Stove” was created by Edvard Munch in 1883. This oil on canvas painting measures 96.5 by 66 centimeters and is executed in the Realism style, typical of genre painting. Currently, it resides in a private collection and represents a moment from everyday life, as captured by Munch during his early painting years.
The artwork portrays a young girl in a humble interior engaged in the task of lighting a stove. She is depicted crouched down, with her body turned slightly away from the viewer, focusing intently on her work. The palette is subdued, dominated by earthy tones that convey a sense of warmth and domesticity. Her white blouse stands out against the muted background, and the careful attention to detail in her attire and the texture of her skirt and apron suggests the physicality of her task. The girl’s hair is neatly braided, and while her face is not fully visible, there’s an implication of concentration and serenity in her posture. The soft brushstrokes and the realistic depiction of light and shadow create a sense of depth and dimension, evoking a quiet moment that is both timeless and evocative.
