Self Portrait

Self Portrait is a powerful lithograph created by Edvard Munch in 1895, though the resulting prints were formally signed in 1896. This work, stemming from a key period of Symbolism and nascent Expressionism, exemplifies the Norwegian master’s profound exploration of isolation, anxiety, and psychological depth. The print technique of the lithograph allowed Munch to explore highly defined contours and stark tonal contrasts, perfectly suited to the introspective nature of the subject.

As a central figure in modern graphic art, Munch frequently used printmaking to disseminate his intensely personal, often existential imagery. This particular lithograph demonstrates his innovative handling of the printing stone, utilizing the stark interplay between dense blacks and brilliant white paper to define the sitter’s intense, fixed gaze. While Munch’s oil paintings often relied on swirling colors to convey emotion, this piece uses purely linear definition and shadow to convey a feeling of palpable psychological tension. The development of his aesthetic was profoundly influential on subsequent 20th-century art movements, making works like this a cornerstone of modern art history.

Munch created several autobiographical images throughout his career, but this concentrated self-gaze from 1895 remains one of his most recognized self-examinations. The creation date of 1895, signed 1896, marks a critical shift in his focus toward graphic representation. The classification of this image as a major early print highlights its technical and historical significance in the history of graphic arts. Today, high-quality images of important artworks from this period sometimes enter the realm of public domain, allowing for wider study and appreciation of these seminal Self Portrait prints. This important work resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.