Aften. Melankoli I (Evening. Melancholy I) 1896

Curator: Edvard Munch's "Evening. Melancholy I," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents a fascinating departure from his more recognizable works. Editor: Oh, wow, it's wood! Dark, moody wood. I’m immediately drawn to that somber, almost charred top panel; it feels like the weight of the world. Curator: Indeed. Munch, known for confronting the darkness of human existence, used wood here to convey a raw, almost primal sense of anxiety and isolation. Consider how the figure seems carved out, almost as if they are a missing piece. Editor: That negative space around the figure really amps up the feeling of being cut off, doesn’t it? It’s like a puzzle where the most important piece is missing, leaving a gaping emotional hole. I wonder what inspired him to use these specific woods? Curator: The choice of material likely speaks to the societal constraints that burdened individuals, particularly artists, at the time. The wood itself might represent the rigid structures of societal expectations and the struggle to break free. Editor: That's heavy. For me, it just screams loneliness and the kind of heartache that settles deep into your bones. Curator: It’s a striking piece to consider in terms of artistic and social struggle. Editor: Absolutely, a tangible expression of melancholy.