Edvard Munch was admitted to Norway's national hospital in 1902 to remove a bullet from his hand. This incident inspired the painting On the Operating Table, which depicts a naked body observed by medical professionals. The exhibition Lifeblood at the Munch museum presents Munch’s work alongside historical healthcare objects highlighting his personal connection with illness and medical innovation. Munch’s family background in medicine, and his early engagement with medical themes, are critical in understanding the depth and influence of his artistic expressions.
On the Operating Table vividly depicts a prone, emasculated body, watched by medical professionals, with unsettling imagery that symbolizes life, death, and the human experience.
The juxtaposition of Munch's gory paintings with historic medical artifacts unveils his profound connection to illness, showcasing the impact of medical advancements on his life and art.
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