The upcoming exhibition “Edvard Munch Portraits” at London’s National Portrait Gallery will focus on the artist’s personal connections and his lesser-known portraiture. Curator Alison Smith highlights Munch’s family background, artistic influences, and his deeper understanding of human nature as explored in his artworks. This presentation aims to reveal a more connected Munch, countering the loneliness often associated with his more famous pieces.
London’s National Portrait Gallery will unveil a new exhibition, “Edvard Munch Portraits,” highlighting the less-explored facet of the Norwegian Expressionist’s work—his portraiture. Featuring Munch’s connections with family, friends, and patrons, this marks the first UK showcase dedicated to his portraits, presenting art created in intimate moments with his subjects. Curator Alison Smith notes that Munch’s portraits reflect both his personal losses and artistic evolvement, including works depicting influential family members and friends from his bohemian life in Oslo, Paris, and Berlin.
Among the highlights are “Evening” (1888), showcasing one of Munch’s sisters, and the moody portrait of his aunt Karen. Smith elaborates on Munch’s engagement with various influences, particularly hinting at Japanese art, which shaped his style. The exhibition also addresses Munch’s perception of people, illustrated through portraits like the 1885 portrayal of artist Karl Jensen-Hjell, which incited controversy for its candid representation.
Additionally, Munch’s ability to delve deeper, seeing “behind everyone’s mask,” is evident, notably in his 1907 portrait of industrialist Walther Rathenau. Rathenau’s quip about his portrait expressing a more genuine self underscores Munch’s skill in portraying psychological depth. Munch had evolved into a popular artist by the early 20th century, yet faced emotional difficulties in parting with his paintings, treating them as his children.
The exhibition also features Munch’s self-portraits, revealing his introspective nature, along with a notable work of lawyer Thor Lütken adorned with symbolic imagery on his sleeve. The subjects of Munch’s portraits were instrumental in his career, providing inspiration and support while contributing to a network of friendships that Munch fostered throughout his life. The exhibition overall portrays him as part of a rich European artistic community, contrasting with the loneliness often associated with his most famous works.
The “Edvard Munch Portraits” exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery offers a fresh perspective on Munch, showcasing his intimate connections with family and friends. Through this lens, it highlights both his artistic evolution and the supportive network that surrounded him, challenging the notion of his solitude and celebrating the relationships that shaped his work.
Original Source: theartnewspaper.com