Motifs from Ekely

Munch's favourable working conditions at Ekely are reflected in a large and colourful production, inspired by his close surroundings.

Edvard Munch is standing and painting in his open-air studio at Ekely. He is surrounded by his own works and is wearing a hat to shield himself from the sun and a light-coloured suit. — Edvard Munch: Edvard Munch in the open-air studio at Ekely, 1933. Photo © Munchmuseet

Edvard Munch bought the property Ekely on the outskirts of Oslo in 1916, when he was 53 years old. It became his permanent residence the rest of his life – a home. At Ekely Munch painted the changing seasons in the lush garden and old knotty trees in the nearby woods. The interaction between man and nature is depicted in paintings of ploughing horses and harvest.

Elm forest

Edvard Munch: Elm Forest in Spring. Oil on canvas, 1923-1925. Photo © Munchmuseet

Edvard Munch: Elm Forest in Autumn. Oil on canvas, 1919-1920. Photo © Munchmuseet

The Garden at Ekely

Edvard Munch: Lady with Poppy Flowers. Oil on canvas, 1918-1919. Photo © Munchmuseet

Edvard Munch: Apple Tree in the Garden. Oil on canvas, 1932-42. Photo © Munchmuseet

Winter at Ekely

Edvard Munch: Starry Night. Oil on canvas, 1922-1924. Photo © Munchmuseet

Edvard Munch: On the Veranda Stairs. Oil on canvas, 1922–1924. Photo © Munchmuseet

Edvard Munch: Red House and Spruces. Oil on canvas, 1942-43. Photo © Munchmuseet

AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK ON EKELY

Edvard Munch: The Man in the Cabbage Field, 1943. A man stands with his legs apart in the middle of a cabbage field, holding an armful of cabbages. The field is painted in shades of yellow, white, and green. Painting. — Edvard Munch: The Man in the Cabbage Field. Oil on canvas, 1943. Photo © Munchmuseet

Edvard Munch: Dog’s Head. Oil on wooden panel, 1942. Photo © Munchmuseet