Summer Evening (Sommernacht) 1895

Edvard Munch created this print, Summer Evening, using etching and drypoint around 1893 in Norway. The scene presents a melancholic woman standing in a dark landscape, evoking themes of isolation and introspection. Munch was part of a generation of artists who were increasingly interested in exploring the inner psychological states of individuals. He deliberately rejected the conservative artistic norms promoted by the art academies and salons of the time. Summer Evening aligns with the artist's broader project to make art that was true to lived experience, rather than beholden to outdated traditions. Understanding this print requires us to look into the social and cultural factors influencing Munch's work. Archival material, such as letters and exhibition reviews, can help us reconstruct the context in which it was made and develop a deeper appreciation of art as a product of social and institutional forces.