Murder (Mord)

Murder (Mord) by Edvard Munch is a powerful lithograph, classified as a print, created initially in c. 1928 and subsequently signed by the artist in 1930. This compelling late-career work exemplifies Munch's continued exploration of intense psychological themes using graphic mediums. The selection of lithography allows the Norwegian master to utilize stark black and white contrasts, amplifying the inherent drama of the subject matter.

Munch, a foundational figure in Expressionism, often translated the complex emotional resonance of his oil paintings into highly effective prints, broadening the accessibility of his artistic vision. In this piece, the simplified forms and agitated lines are typical of his expressive style, immediately conveying a sense of violence or intense interpersonal conflict. The subject matter, which consistently explores the darker aspects of human relationships and existential dread, situates Murder (Mord) within the thematic continuity of his most famous works. The emotional weight conveyed through the demanding medium demonstrates Munch’s complete mastery of printmaking techniques, even decades into his prolific career.

The dating notation, c. 1928; signed 1930, indicates the sustained relevance of this emotionally charged subject matter for the artist during his final years. As the work is a print, Munch was able to disseminate this tragic image more widely than a unique painting. This significant example of 20th-century Norwegian Expressionism is preserved in the extensive print collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, where it provides critical insight into the final stylistic developments of one of modern art’s most influential figures.