Meaning: The quote "No longer shall I paint interiors with men reading and women knitting. I will paint living people who breathe and feel and suffer and love" by Edvard Munch reflects the artist's shift in focus and style in his artistic career. Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter and printmaker, known for his expressionistic style and emotionally evocative works. This quote signifies Munch's departure from traditional and formal subject matter towards a more raw and emotionally charged portrayal of human experience.

In the late 19th century, when Munch made this statement, the prevalent artistic trends often depicted idealized scenes of domestic life, with subjects engaged in mundane and peaceful activities. However, Munch's declaration reflects his desire to move away from these conventional representations and instead capture the depth and complexity of human emotions and experiences.

Munch's decision to paint "living people who breathe and feel and suffer and love" speaks to his commitment to portraying the human condition in its entirety. His work became increasingly focused on exploring themes of love, anxiety, jealousy, and death, often drawing from his own personal experiences and struggles. This shift in focus allowed Munch to create art that resonated deeply with audiences, as it depicted the universal experiences and emotions that all individuals encounter.

One of Munch's most famous works, "The Scream," exemplifies his departure from traditional subject matter and his embrace of raw, emotive expression. The painting portrays a figure in a state of anguish and despair, capturing the intense emotional turmoil that Munch sought to convey in his art. This departure from traditional artistic norms and his willingness to delve into the depths of human emotion set Munch apart as a pioneering figure in the development of expressionism.

Munch's declaration also highlights his desire to capture the essence of life itself in his art. By focusing on "living people," he aimed to depict the vitality and dynamism of human existence, rather than static and staged representations. This approach allowed Munch to infuse his works with a sense of immediacy and authenticity, as he sought to capture the fleeting and transient nature of human experience.

Furthermore, Munch's emphasis on portraying individuals who "breathe and feel and suffer and love" underscores his commitment to representing the full spectrum of human emotion. His paintings often exude a sense of emotional intensity, inviting viewers to engage with the raw and visceral experiences depicted in his art. By delving into the depths of human suffering and love, Munch's work transcended the boundaries of traditional artistic representation and spoke directly to the human soul.

In conclusion, Edvard Munch's quote encapsulates his departure from traditional subject matter and his embrace of emotionally charged and raw representations of the human experience. Through his commitment to portraying living people and their authentic emotions, Munch created a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences and inspire profound emotional responses. His legacy as an artist who captured the essence of human existence continues to endure, making him a pivotal figure in the development of expressionism and modern art.