Famous Art 3

Ashes ; 1894 : Edvard Munch

This is my favorite painting by Edvard Munch. It begs you to ask yourself numerous questions about the subjects and the setting, never leaning towards any "one" precise interpretation. Once you think you have created a solid interpretation, you notice something else, forcing you to ask yet another question, such as:

Did these two people have sex? 

If they did have sex, was it really that awful? Why was it that awful?

Or could the man or the woman not perform? 

Did the man force himself on her and then instantly regret it? 

Was it their first time, and they both regretted it? 

Or is the gentleman denying her advances? Is this why she seems so distraught? 

Did these two people decide to have a secret rendezvous in the woods, succumbing to their animal instincts, only to instantly regret their indiscretion?

Or does this scene not represent a sexual context at all?

Did this couple live in a cabin in the woods?

Was this cabin pilfered? The woman sexually assaulted?

Did the man not protect her? Or was he even in time to offer protection?

Or is the woman simply upset over losing a button in the woods, and the man is scanning the ground looking for it?

Why is it called Ashes? There isn't anything burning or burnt in the painting, except maybe for the vague white brush strokes in the background just above the female, possibly representing billowing smoke (or are the white brush strokes simply another tree?)

So did their cabin burn down? Who set the fire? Why?

Or is the title figurative, referring to one of the above questions, such as their sexual chemistry, love, or reputations are in "ashes?"

I have more questions to offer for this painting, but I think I've given you enough to think about; and as I will continue to view it in the future, I'm sure I'll even think of many more. How many scenarios can you justify?