Sommernatt 1917

Edvard Munch created this oil painting, Sommernatt, which translates to Summer Night, during a period when the social norms of late 19th-century European society were being questioned. Munch, living through the rise of industrialization and urbanization, captures a moment of intimate connection against the backdrop of nature. A dark figure embraces a lighter one, their forms blending into the landscape. Are they lovers, friends, or perhaps figures representing different aspects of the self? This ambiguity invites us to consider the complexities of human relationships and identity. Munch once said, "We want more than a photograph of nature. We do not want to paint pretty pictures to be hung on drawing-room walls. We want to create, or at least lay the foundations for, an art that gives something to humanity." Here, the emotional weight of the scene transcends a mere depiction of a summer night. It reflects the search for meaning and connection in an era of rapid change. The painting suggests the potential for solace and introspection, even amidst the uncertainties of modern life.