An Old Man c. 1902

Edvard Munch’s painting of An Old Man captures a figure rendered with bold brushstrokes and a striking yellow background, evoking a sense of isolation. The composition emphasizes the figure's form through color and texture rather than precise detail. The yellow backdrop almost seems to press forward, heightening the tension between the figure and his environment. Munch’s structural approach uses color and line to communicate emotional intensity, reflecting broader Expressionist concerns with inner psychological states. Note how the structural use of impasto and vivid color destabilizes traditional portraiture, shifting the focus from mere likeness to the expression of subjective experience. The painting engages with poststructuralist ideas by questioning fixed meanings and inviting multiple interpretations based on the viewer's emotional and psychological engagement. The materiality becomes crucial, transforming the artwork into a site of continuous cultural and philosophical discourse.