Gunnar Heiberg

The portrait Gunnar Heiberg by Edvard Munch (Norwegian, 1863-1944) is a seminal example of the artist’s graphic practice, executed in 1896. This work, classified as a print, is a lithograph created on delicate cream Japanese paper. It was produced by the German printing firm Lassally, highlighting the international collaborative nature of printmaking during this era. As one of Norway’s most influential modernists, Munch often turned his intensely psychological scrutiny onto his intellectual contemporaries.

The subject, Gunnar Heiberg (1857-1929), was a significant Norwegian playwright and theatre director whose works often mirrored the critical and sometimes controversial atmosphere of the late 19th-century Norwegian arts scene. Munch frequently experimented with the expressive potential of lithography and woodcut during the 1890s, recognizing these mediums’ ability to reach a wider audience than painting. This technical experimentation, coupled with the stark, focused nature of the portrait, solidified Munch's reputation as a master printmaker.

The economy of line and high contrast evident in this work demonstrate the efficacy of lithography in conveying the intense psychological tension characteristic of Munch's style. Created during a period when the artist was highly active in both Berlin and Paris, the piece speaks to the transferability of his vision across different mediums. Today, high-resolution images of these crucial early prints are often accessible through open resources, including those designated as public domain, underscoring the enduring significance of Munch’s graphic oeuvre. This important lithograph from 1896 currently resides within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, illustrating the global impact of this foundational Norwegian artist.