How did Edvard Munch use color and line differently from naturalistic painters?

Edvard Munch diverged from the naturalistic painters of his time by rejecting the literal representation of the external world in favor of expressing subjective emotional states. While naturalism sought to depict objective reality, Munch utilized color and line as tools for psychological revelation rather than description.1234

Use of Line

Munch moved away from the traditional focus on realistic form, instead adopting a flowing, tortuous use of line. Influenced by the "bounding line" of Paul Gauguin, Munch employed line not for decorative purposes but as a vehicle to give form to inner visions and profound psychological experiences. His graphic work, particularly his woodcuts, further demonstrated his experimental approach, where he famously utilized the natural grain of the woodblock to enhance the expressive power of his lines.351

Use of Color

Munch’s application of color was intentionally expressive rather than descriptive. By prioritizing the representation of human experiences—such as loneliness, despair, and grief—he often employed radical simplifications of form and color to evoke specific emotional responses. This approach allowed him to move beyond the naturalism inherent in Impressionism, setting the stage for the development of Expressionism.412