The artwork titled “Lübeck Harbour with the Holstentor” is a cityscape painting by Edvard Munch, created in 1907. This oil on canvas embodies the essence of Expressionism, a movement characterized by its focus on representing emotional experiences rather than physical reality. Presently, it resides in the collection of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, Germany.
The artwork depicts a vibrant and somewhat tumultuous representation of the Lübeck Harbour. Dominant within the composition is the historic Holstentor, a city gate that remarkably stands out with its two conical towers. A characteristic of Munch’s expressionist style is visible through the use of thick, swirling brushstrokes that add a dynamic and almost unsettled quality to the water and sky. The harbor is alive with boats, their forms simplified and colors vivid, reflecting off the water’s surface, which is rendered with broad, gestural strokes that capture the light and movement of this busy port scene. The surrounding landscape and architecture are portrayed with a similar energy, suggesting not only the physical structures but the bustling atmosphere of the area.
The palette Munch uses is rich yet non-naturalistic, enhancing the expressionist intent to convey mood over the direct representation of reality. Despite the scene’s activity, there is a sense of isolation that often pervades Munch’s work, possibly hinting at the psychological undercurrents the artist is known to explore. This painting, with its energetic application of paint and vivid coloration, serves as a piece where viewers can sense the artist’s emotional response to the scene, a hallmark of the Expressionist movement.
