Edvard Munch Portraits

Surprising exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery of portraits by Munch.

I say surprising as it was relatively cheerful. Munch’s expressionist work can feel quite full on and miserable but I got sense of friendship and communities. The works were arranged by how he knew the sitter with sections on family, Bohemians, dealers and collectors and supporters.

There was a sense of sadness though, bordering on the comical as you read the labels and many of the sitters died young or were involved in other tragedies.

The bold colours struck you and in the enclosed space particularly in the end room of full length works you felt you were walking among a group of friends.

I will moan though about the placement of some of the room labels and some pictures in the spaces between displays which had been created. There wasn’t enough space for people to stop and read and it created bottle necks particularly at the busy members’ preview I attended.

Closes 15 June 2025


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