Portrait of a Young Woman (The American Girl)

"Portrait of a Young Woman (The American Girl)" is a significant 1894 drypoint print created by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch (1863-1944). This important example of Munch's early graphic output was collaboratively printed by the German specialist Otto Felsing. The technique utilized, drypoint on buff wove paper, involves scratching directly into a copper plate with a sharp needle. This process pushes up a 'burr' of metal, which, when inked, yields rich, velvety lines that are especially evident in early impressions. The use of this demanding medium showcases the versatility of Munch, who was rapidly gaining fame for utilizing prints, particularly woodcuts and lithographs, as a primary vehicle for emotional expression alongside his famous paintings.

The subject, informally titled "The American Girl," captures a mood of quiet introspection characteristic of Munch's psychological approach to figuration during the 1890s. Rather than prioritizing superficial likeness, Munch often imbued his sitters with emotional resonance, aligning the work with the growing Symbolist and nascent Expressionist movements dominant across Norway and Central Europe. The stark yet delicate execution of the drypoint lines lends the portrait a powerful intimacy. Munch’s mastery in translating human experience into graphic media helped cement his international reputation, making his prints critical to understanding the development of modern art. This key work is housed within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, contributing to the museum's comprehensive holdings of Scandinavian modernist prints. As this print dates from 1894, it is often referenced in art historical studies of the period, and high-quality reproductions of this type of older artwork are frequently found in the public domain.