Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait by Edvard Munch Norwegian, 1863-1944, is a profoundly expressive drawing executed in blue crayon on paper. This classification, which covers the expansive date range of 1883-1944, reflects the artist’s lifelong and systematic preoccupation with his own image, documenting his shifting psychological landscape and physical appearance across several decades of production. Munch, a central figure in the development of Expressionism and Symbolism, frequently utilized self-portraits as a vehicle for profound introspection and the visualization of internal states.

The immediate nature of the medium-blue crayon on paper-allows Munch to emphasize raw emotion and rapid graphic structure. This work showcases his characteristic style, characterized by simplified forms and stark, energetic line work that prioritized emotional intensity over naturalistic detailing. Though rendered in a monochrome palette, the intense focus on the subject’s demeanor transmits the existential exploration common in Munch's broader body of work, defining the anxieties of modernity through his unique visual language.

This compelling drawing is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, underscoring the museum’s dedication to collecting defining examples of modern graphic arts. As a celebrated Scandinavian artist from Norway, Munch’s enduring power ensures his continued influence on subsequent generations. Due to the historical nature of the original piece, high-quality Self-Portrait prints are often widely available through institutions contributing to the growing body of art entering the public domain, granting broader access to the significant contributions made by the artist 1863-1944.