Model on the Couch 1928

Edvard Munch created this oil on canvas painting, “Model on the Couch,” during a period when societal norms were being questioned and re-evaluated. In the painting, a woman reclines on a couch, surrounded by the trappings of domestic life, bookshelves, and personal items. Yet, despite this intimate setting, the woman appears distant, almost melancholic. Munch was deeply affected by personal loss and existential themes, and his work often explores the emotional and psychological states of his subjects. Consider how the model is presented: her gaze averted, her posture suggesting a sense of unease or introspection. Is she merely a passive figure, or is Munch inviting us to consider the complexities of her inner life? This painting serves as a reminder of the power of art to evoke empathy and understanding.