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Student Artwork Guide

The killer

Edvard Munch, 1906

Name Class Date
Edvard Munch, The killer (1906). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Edvard Munch originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/edvard-munch/
Artist’s dates
1863 – 1944
Painted
1906
Medium
Acrylic On Canvas
Movement
Expressionism Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness.
Period
Modern
Artistic style
Symbolic
Influences
Fauvism, Die Brücke
Notable elements or techniques
Exaggerated forms & vibrant colors
Subject or theme
Psychological turmoil

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Edvard Munch died in 1944; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2014.

Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 22, 2026

The killer — Edvard Munch Part 1 · The artwork

In context

The killer — Edvard Munch

When was this painted?

  1. 1860
  2. 1870
  3. 1880
  4. 1890
  5. 1900
  6. 1910
  7. 1920
  8. 1930
  9. 1940

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 81 at death.

Painted when the artist was 43. The artist lived to 81. 284 of the 410 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Edvard Munch (1863–1944) ▲ this work, 1906 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1893 Main working years: 1893–1908 Late works: from 1908

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

  • The Scream, 1893 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edvard-munch-the-scream-8XXU48-en/
  • Melancholy, 1894 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edvard-munch-melancholy-8XXU3N-en/
  • Madonna, 1894 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edvard-munch-madonna-8YDETZ-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/edvard-munch-the-killer-6WHKCS-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Phthalo Green #29281e

    Catalogued palette

    • #29281E
    • #B6A07C
    • #675337
    • #AE7739

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Dark The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Phthalo Green
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Edvard Munch over the last twelve months — 87 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 24.4%
    2. 2 Spain 14.4%
    3. 3 France 8.7%
    4. 4 United States of America 5.9%
    5. 5 Singapore 4.2%
    6. 6 Hong Kong 4.1%
    7. 7 Italy 3.6%
    8. 8 Brazil 3.2%
    9. 9 Japan 2.4%
    10. 10 Germany 1.8%
    11. · 77 other countries 27.3%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Edvard Munch

    1. 1 The Scream, 1893 28.0%
    2. 2 Madonna, 1894 7.8%
    3. 3 Melancholy, 1894 6.4%
    4. 4 Near the bed of death (fever), 1915 2.0%
    5. 5 The Child and Death, 1899 1.8%
    6. 6 Kiss, 1897 1.2%
    7. 7 Ashes, 1894 1.1%
    8. 8 Girls on the Pier, 1904 1.0%
    9. 9 The Day After, 1895 0.9%
    10. 10 Christmas in the Brothel, 1905 0.9%
    11. 11 Jealousy, 1895 0.9%
    12. 12 The Girls on the Bridge, 1901 0.8%
    13. 13 The Dance of Life, 1899 0.7%
    14. 14 Madonna, 1894 0.7%
    15. 15 Self-Portrait, 1895 0.6%
    16. 16 Man and Woman I, 1905 0.5%
    17. 17 Jealousy, 1907 0.5%
    18. 18 To the Forest, 1897 0.5%
    19. 19 Cree (casein on cardboard) 2, 1893 0.5%
    20. 215 The killer, 1906 this painting 0.1%

    Together these works take 56.9% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 629 works by this artist, of which 471 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 215 of them, with 0.1% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 22, 2026

    The killer — Edvard Munch Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    The killer — Edvard Munch

    The Killer

    Edvard Munch, a Norwegian artist renowned for his contributions to Expressionism, created "The Killer" in 1906. This painting is a testament to Munch’s ability to evoke powerful emotions and introspection through his art. It stands as a cornerstone of Expressionist aesthetics, capturing the anxieties and psychological complexities characteristic of the era.

    Expressionist Elements

    “The Killer” exemplifies the Expressionist style, characterized by exaggerated forms and vibrant colors that convey intense emotional experiences. The woman in the painting sits on a bed, her back turned to the viewer, creating an air of mystery and contemplation. This deliberate positioning disrupts conventional portraiture, prioritizing psychological impact over realistic representation. The dining table with fruit and birds adds a sense of tranquility, contrasting sharply with the title's ominous tone—a juxtaposition that underscores Munch’s exploration of duality within human experience. These elements are rendered in bold hues – reds, yellows, and blues – reflecting the turbulent inner landscape of the artist.

    Symbolism and Interpretation

    The painting can be interpreted as a profound reflection of Munch’s own emotional turmoil following the tragic loss of his sister Sophie. The woman's turned back symbolizes isolation or introspection, mirroring Munch’s preoccupation with grief and vulnerability. The fruit represents life and vitality—a poignant counterpoint to mortality—while the birds could signify freedom or, perhaps more subtly, the observer’s perspective on this internal struggle. This complex interplay of symbols invites viewers to ponder the deeper meaning behind “The Killer,” prompting contemplation about themes of loss, fear, and existential questioning. Munch himself described his inspiration as stemming from a vivid vision during a sunset walk—a moment of overwhelming terror that he sought to translate onto canvas.

    Artistic Influences

    Munch was significantly influenced by various art movements, including Fauvism, which is evident in his use of bold colors and expressive brushstrokes. Artists like Henri Matisse championed this stylistic approach, prioritizing emotional resonance over accurate depiction. His work also reflects the influence of Die Brücke, a group of German Expressionist artists who sought to break away from traditional representational art and forge their own path toward artistic innovation. They rejected academic conventions in favor of raw emotion and distorted forms—a spirit that aligns perfectly with Munch’s artistic vision.

    Relevance in Modern Art

    “The Killer” remains significant in modern art for its emotional depth and symbolic richness. It continues to inspire contemporary artists and captivate audiences with its enigmatic presence, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of art to communicate profound psychological truths. Its influence can be seen in works exploring themes of trauma, anxiety, and vulnerability—demonstrating Munch’s lasting legacy as a pioneer of Expressionism.

    Edvard Munch's "The Killer" is a prime example of Expressionist art.

    The painting’s symbolism invites multiple interpretations, making it a subject of ongoing artistic discussion.

    Munch's influence can be seen in the works of other notable artists, such as Hermann Max Pechstein and Egon Schiele.

    Conclusion “The Killer” by Edvard Munch is a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Expressionism. Its mysterious and contemplative atmosphere, combined with its symbolic elements, make it a compelling piece of art that continues to intrigue viewers today.

    For those interested in exploring more works by Edvard Munch and other Expressionist artists, visit Edvard Munch: The Killer on AllPaintingsStore. Additionally, learn about the artistic movements that influenced Munch's work at Die Brücke.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 22, 2026

    The killer — Edvard Munch Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Edvard Munch

    Born in Adelsbruk, Sweden

    A Life Shaped by Loss

    Edvard Munch arrived in the world in 1863, born into the stark landscapes of Norway. His early years were defined by a heavy presence of grief that would later find its way onto his canvases. The deaths of his mother and his sister, Sophie, both taken by tuberculosis, left a deep mark on his young mind. These losses created a preoccupation with mortality and the fragility of life that stayed with him forever. He grew up in a household where the shadows of sickness were never far away.

    His father, Christian, was a physician who struggled with intense religious devotion and mental instability. This atmosphere of dread and the vivid ghost stories told in his childhood helped shape his later visions. Munch did not merely paint what he saw; he sought to externalize his internal state. He called this approach soul painting. It was a way to translate psychological distress into visual form, using the colors and shapes of his own experience.

    The Path to Expressionism

    Munch began his formal studies at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania, which is now known as Oslo. During this time, he moved within bohemian circles that challenged the strict rules of academic art. A significant influence was Hans Jæger, a nihilist who encouraged Munch to abandon conventional styles and instead focus on his own subjective emotions. This shift led him toward the development of Expressionism.

    Travels through Europe brought new perspectives to his work. In Paris, he encountered the techniques of artists like Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh, particularly their use of color. In Berlin, his connections with figures such as August Strindberg further pushed his investigations into psychological themes. He began to move away from naturalistic representation, opting instead for distorted forms and rhythmic lines that could communicate the tremors of human existence.

    Themes and Lasting Impact

    Much of his work belongs to a series he called The Frieze of Life, where he explored the recurring cycles of love, fear, death, and anxiety. Some of his most recognized paintings include:

    The Scream: A work from 1893 that uses swirling, fiery landscapes to represent existential dread.

    Madonna: A piece that explores themes of sexuality and mortality.

    The Sick Child: A poignant reminder of the loss of his sister.

    Puberty: An exploration of the physical and psychological changes of youth.

    Munch was a highly active printmaker, using techniques like etching, lithography, and woodcut to expand his reach. He possessed over one thousand paintings at the time of his death in 1944. His ability to confront the darker aspects of the human condition helped pave the way for later movements like German Expressionism. Today, much of his legacy is preserved in the Munch Museum in Oslo, where his work continues to speak to the complexities of the human psyche.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for The killer

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/edvard-munch-the-killer-6WHKCS-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Munch, Edvard. The killer. 1906, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edvard-munch-the-killer-6WHKCS-en/
    APA
    Munch, Edvard (1906). The killer [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edvard-munch-the-killer-6WHKCS-en/
    Chicago
    Edvard Munch. The killer. 1906. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edvard-munch-the-killer-6WHKCS-en/
    Harvard
    Munch, Edvard (1906) The killer. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edvard-munch-the-killer-6WHKCS-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 22, 2026

    The killer — Edvard Munch Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    The killer — Edvard Munch

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: woman, bed, fruit. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at The Scream (1893), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Expressionism: Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Sept. 22, 2026

    The killer — Edvard Munch Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    Is a high-resolution download of "The killer" available?

    A digital image of "The killer" by Edvard Munch can be purchased on its Digital Image page: a high-resolution digital image download.

    Can I preview "The killer" by Edvard Munch before ordering?

    To preview a reproduction of "The killer" by Edvard Munch, open the artwork's Preview page.

    What kind of colors does "The killer" use?

    The palette of "The killer" by Edvard Munch is described as dark. It is a compact description of the work's colors.