Self-Portrait in Moonlight

Self-Portrait in Moonlight by Edvard Munch Norwegian, 1863-1944, dating from 1904-1906, is a powerful example of the artist's intense explorations in printmaking. This impression is a woodcut, meticulously printed from a single block using a striking combination of blue and black ink on cream wove paper. Munch was a pioneer in reviving the expressive potential of the woodcut medium, often simplifying forms and exploiting the grain of the wood itself to amplify emotional effect. The innovative technique of printing multiple colors from one block necessitated careful carving and selective inking, allowing the artist to achieve rich textural variation while maintaining graphic immediacy, a defining characteristic of art from Norway during this era.

The work exemplifies Munch's preoccupation with depicting internal emotional states rather than external reality. Created during a period of professional turbulence and deep introspection, this self-portrait uses the stark contrast between the luminous blue of the moonlight and the deep black shadows to convey isolation and anxiety. Munch frequently returned to self-portraiture throughout his career, positioning himself squarely within the emerging Expressionist movement. His bold utilization of line and color cemented his international reputation in modern prints, particularly his complex handling of the self-portrait genre. This significant image is currently housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a critical document of the artist's profound psychological mastery.