Alma mater
A symbol of the nourishing university
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Together with the paintings The Sun and The History, Alma Mater is one of Edvard Munch's main works in the University Aula.
Alma Mater portrays the university itself. It points back to the University of Bologna, established in 1088, which was originally named Alma Mater Studiorum.
The woman in the painting gives associations to Maria Lactans – the breastfeeding Madonna. This is a well-known motive in art history. Munch does not use it religiously, but as a symbol of the continuation of knowledge and wisdom.
The children in the painting are exploring the world; they are little scientists. In dialogue with The History on the opposite side of the Aula, Alma Mater depicts academia as a large family through generations.
?Alma Mater is still alma mater, but can also mean Mother Earth... it's an image of the outer limits of science... She offers the milk of scholarship”.
– Edvard Munch
Details
- Technique and materials: Oil on canvas
- Date: 1916 (1915-1916)
- Dimensions: 455 x 1160 cm
- Woll: 1220
- UiO.K.: 01405
Edvard Munch's Aula paintings
The decoration of the University Aula in Oslo was among Edvard Munch's most comprehensive art projects, and a prestigious and controversial assignment in its time.
The 11 pictures are the only expressionist monumental paintings preserved in their original context. The motifs show the university's activities and history, enlightenment and the great, eternal forces of nature and mankind.
The Aula decoration is part of UiO's art collection.