Jealousy

"Jealousy," created by Edvard Munch Norwegian, 1863-1944 in 1914, is a powerful example of the artist's engagement with profound human emotion and psychological distress. This specific print utilizes the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint, executed on cream wove paper. This choice of medium allows for the stark contrasts and characteristic linear quality that define Munch’s graphic output during this period, enhancing the sense of anguish central to the composition. The work is currently held in the renowned print collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Munch frequently explored themes of psychological turmoil, alienation, and the fragility of human connection, positioning him as a seminal figure in Northern European Expressionism. The motif of jealousy was one of the central concerns of the Norwegian artist’s career, often depicting fraught emotional dynamics through isolated figures. In this print, the subject matter focuses intensely on the emotional isolation of the central figures, typical of the dramatic narratives Munch created for his major series, The Frieze of Life.

The execution in etching and drypoint was vital to the 1863-1944 artist’s extensive practice. Printmaking allowed Munch to quickly reiterate and refine the intense emotional states captured in his compositions. This work exemplifies how he utilized the drypoint needle to create dark, velvety burrs, deepening the shadows and intensifying the feeling of isolation inherent in the subject matter. These powerful black and white prints remain essential for understanding the development of modern art in Norway. Due to the historical age and importance of the piece, high-resolution reproductions of this 1914 masterwork are often accessible through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued global study of the artist’s profound psychological vision.