The Drowning Child 1904

Edvard Munch's "The Drowning Child" is rendered in oil paint, a traditional medium allowing for layered textures and emotive color. Munch applied the paint gesturally; his brushstrokes build a scene of disquieting tension. The inherent qualities of the oil paint – its viscosity, its capacity for blending, but also for stark contrast – contribute to the painting's emotional weight. Notice how the surface texture varies. In some areas, the paint is thinly applied, almost translucent, while in others, it's built up in thicker, more deliberate strokes, particularly around the figure of the child. The scene is made with great economy of means, but the intensity of feeling is palpable. This work is not just about representing a tragic event, it's about using the material of paint itself to evoke empathy and horror. It challenges us to consider the work involved in making meaning, and how an artist's technique shapes our perception.