The Three Stages of Woman (Sphinx). 1894

"The Three Stages of Woman (Sphinx)" (1894) by Edvard Munch depicts three figures that represent the stages of a woman's life. On the left, a woman in a white dress, symbolic of innocence and youth, stands with her head bowed. In the center, a nude figure stands tall, symbolizing womanhood and sensuality. The third figure, barely visible in the shadows, is a woman in black, representing old age and the inevitability of death. The painting, known for its use of symbolism and dark colors, is characteristic of Munch's expressionist style, which explored themes of anxiety and mortality.