The artwork titled “Rain” was created by Edvard Munch in 1902. This oil on canvas painting is a notable work within the Expressionism movement and falls under the genre painting category. Measuring 86.5 by 115.5 cm, the painting can be viewed at the National Gallery located in Oslo, Norway.
“Rain” by Edvard Munch displays a vividly colored landscape seen from an elevated viewpoint, typically characteristic of Munch’s expressive and evocative style. The artwork captures a momentary scene where two figures stand on a balcony, overlooking a natural expanse. The figure on the left is adorned in a somber black attire with a striking red hat, possibly signifying a contrast between the inner emotional state and the turbulent natural environment they gaze upon. The companion figure, dressed in lighter attire, seems to reflect a different, less intense state of being.
The backdrop of the artwork is a rich tapestry of autumnal colors, with fiery reds and oranges depicting the trees, as well as lush greens foresighting an encroaching change in seasons. The sky above them appears tumultuous with a gradient of blues and grays, indicating the rainy atmosphere evoked by the painting’s title. The setting could suggest a sense of introspection or resonance with nature’s forces, common themes running through much of Munch’s oeuvre. The railing of the balcony and the flooring reveal a hasty and impasto application of paint, which imbues the work with a sense of immediacy and emotional turbulence. The artistic techniques employed by Munch contribute to the impression of a transient, momentary glimpse into a personal and profound experience mirrored by the weather’s drama.
