Dr. Max Asch

Dr. Max Asch is a drypoint created by Edvard Munch Norwegian, 1863-1944 in 1895. Executed on cream paper, this impression showcases the artist's intense early experimentation with printmaking techniques, which rapidly became central to his prolific artistic output during the 1890s. The artist utilized the drypoint method, an intaglio process characterized by the direct scoring of the copper plate. This action raises a delicate burr along the etched line, resulting in a soft, atmospheric quality in the final prints, particularly visible in the subject’s face and the textured background.

The work serves as a stark portrait study of Dr. Max Asch, captured through the intense psychological lens typical of Munch's evolving style. While much of the Norwegian artist's output during this period explored themes of existential anxiety and human isolation, his graphic arts also included significant commissioned portraiture. Munch’s turn to printmaking allowed for greater distribution and broader accessibility of his potent imagery, moving beyond the confines of the Oslo art market. The focus on line and shadow in Dr. Max Asch enhances the sitter's meditative expression, positioning the piece not merely as a likeness but as an insightful Expressionist character study.

As a crucial example of fin-de-siècle graphic production, this specific drypoint impression resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The classification of the work as a print underscores Munch’s dedication to the medium as an equal partner to painting. Today, masterworks like this, which exemplify the foundational Expressionist movement in Norway, are increasingly becoming accessible through public domain initiatives, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to study these early, groundbreaking prints.