Madonna

Madonna, created by Edvard Munch Norwegian, 1863-1944, is a powerful example of the artist’s mastery of graphic arts during a period of profound artistic innovation. Executed in 1895, this specific impression is a lithograph rendered in black ink upon distinctive green wove paper, showcasing Munch's willingness to experiment with media to enhance emotional effect. The classification as a print confirms its significance in the development of modern techniques originating in Norway during the late nineteenth century.

The subject matter reinterprets the traditional Marian image, transforming the figure into a symbol of both sensual desire and the cyclical nature of life and death, themes central to Munch’s Frieze of Life series. This composition is one of several variations Munch produced of Madonna, which often features a surrounding serpentine border emphasizing conception and mortality. As a central figure in Symbolism and Expressionism, Munch frequently utilized the stark contrasts inherent in lithography to heighten psychological intensity, moving beyond mere descriptive representation to probe complex human emotions.

The ecstatic pose and closed eyes of the figure imbue the subject with both reverence and profound vulnerability. The serpentine lines typical of Art Nouveau are used here to convey the dramatic tension that defines much of the Norwegian master's oeuvre. The successful realization of this complex subject matter through the exacting process of lithography cemented Munch's reputation as one of the period’s most important printmakers. This pivotal work resides within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a critical document of Northern European modernism, reflecting the emotional turmoil and innovative aesthetic sensibility that defined the turn of the century.