Friedrich Nietzsche 1906

Edvard Munch painted this portrait of Friedrich Nietzsche in oil, probably alla prima, judging by how quickly it looks like it came into being. Just imagine the artist, Munch, seized by the urgency to capture the philosopher’s likeness, pushing and pulling at the paint. It is as if the artwork shifted and emerged through trial, error, and intuition. I can almost feel the energy of the artist. I like the yellows in the sky, and the way that Munch’s brushstrokes communicate feeling. Nietzsche’s got this super intense stare, and he’s surrounded by moody blues and greens. I wonder what Munch and Nietzsche might have talked about. Munch was clearly inspired by Nietzsche. Artists are always in conversation, exchanging ideas across time, inspiring each other's creativity. Painting offers an expression which embraces ambiguity, allowing for multiple interpretations.