17th of May in a Small, Norwegian Town (1919)

"17th of May in a Small, Norwegian Town" by Edvard Munch, painted in 1919, captures the lively essence of Norway’s National Day celebrations. This day commemorates the signing of the Constitution of Norway in 1814, which is an important national event celebrated with much fanfare across the country.In this painting, we see a vibrant and somewhat abstract depiction of a crowd. The figures are rendered in loose, expressive brushstrokes, typical of Munch's later work, showing a departure from the intense emotionality of his earlier paintings like "The Scream." The image is colorful, with lots of motion implied through the swirling forms and the strong, dynamic lines.Foreground elements include figures that appear as if viewed from above, adding a chaotic, festive atmosphere. Children and adults, distinguished by their different sizes and attire, mingle in a public space. A few figures are outlined more clearly than others, such as the child in a blue suit and a person in a dark coat facing away from the viewer, which suggests movement through the crowd.The colors are typically Munch—muted yet expressive, with shades of pink, blue, yellow, and white, lending a joyous feel to the scene. Meanwhile, the background seems to feature flags, possibly hanging as part of the celebration, contributing to the festive atmosphere.