Attraction II, created in 1895 by Edvard Munch Norwegian, 1863-1944, is a significant early example of the artist's developing mastery of graphic arts. This complex print employs a blend of etching, open bite, and drypoint, augmented by careful burnishing techniques. Executed in black ink on cream laid Arches paper, the work highlights Munch’s dramatic use of stark contrast and expressive line quality, elements central to his Symbolist and nascent Expressionist period.
The combination of etching and open bite allowed Munch to create broad, tonal areas contrasted sharply by the fine, expressive lines achieved through drypoint, giving the composition a distinctive rawness unique to the printing process. The classification of the piece as a print is crucial; Munch began dedicating significant effort to printmaking in the 1890s, using the medium to disseminate his intensely psychological and existential themes widely. Drypoint, in particular, enabled the Norwegian artist to achieve a velvety, intense darkness in the shadows, amplifying the emotional intensity typical of his output.
Munch utilized prints extensively to refine and disseminate the powerful visual motifs seen in his paintings, addressing the themes of anxiety and the inherent tension in human relationships. The deep cultural impact of Munch's prolific work established him as a pioneer of modern art in Norway and across Europe. This specific impression of Attraction II is part of the respected collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, contributing to the growing number of prints from this master currently available within the public domain.
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