Jealousy

The influential print Jealousy was created by the Norwegian Expressionist Edvard Munch (1863-1944) in 1896. This dramatic image is a lithograph, meticulously printed in grayish-brown ink on delicate ivory China paper by the noted French workshop of Auguste Clot. This collaboration highlights Munch’s sophisticated use of printmaking techniques to widely disseminate his intensely personal, modern imagery.

The subject matter aligns centrally with Munch’s ongoing exploration of fundamental human anxieties, particularly the complex relationship between men and women, and the psychological torment of romantic possession. The lithograph employs the simplified forms and highly charged, swirling atmosphere characteristic of Symbolism, emphasizing the internal state of the figures rather than realistic narrative. Munch expertly utilized the contrast between the dark, shadowy foreground figure, overwhelmed by obsession, and the ghostly couple situated in the background, reinforcing the feelings of isolation and alienation central to the Expressionist movement.

As one of the most significant graphic prints produced during this period, this lithograph demonstrates the artist’s dedication to conveying raw emotion directly. The use of lithography enabled Munch to experiment with tones and textures, perfecting the composition that he had explored across multiple paintings and drawings. The contributions made by Munch from Norway were crucial in shifting European art toward psychological intensity. Although this work remains protected, many of Munch’s preparatory studies are now widely accessible in the public domain, allowing for broader appreciation of his mastery. This important early impression of Jealousy is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.