The Brooch. Eva Mudocci (Brosjen. Eva Mudocci)

The Brooch. Eva Mudocci (Brosjen. Eva Mudocci), a celebrated print by the Norwegian master Edvard Munch, was executed in 1903 and later signed by the artist in 1915. Classified as a lithograph, this specific technique allowed Munch to explore portraiture using stark contrasts and dynamic, undulating lines, which became a hallmark of his graphic output during the early twentieth century. Munch recognized the power of reproducible prints to widely disseminate his artistic vision, dedicating significant time to mastering the medium.

The subject of the work is Eva Mudocci (born Maud Powell), a renowned English violinist who captivated European audiences with her performances. Munch formed a close professional and personal relationship with Mudocci around the time of this piece's creation. This portrait is considered one of his most intimate portrayals, focusing intensely on her face and hairstyle, which is characterized by the swirling, anxiety-laden lines associated with Expressionist figuration. Unlike many of Munch’s contemporary works that explored vast themes of existential dread, the focus here is on quiet observation, though the emotional intensity remains palpable through the dramatic interplay of light and shadow rendered in the monochromatic medium.

As a major example of Norwegian printmaking from the period surrounding 1903, this lithograph demonstrates the refinement of Munch's graphic style following his intense experimentation in the previous decade. The powerful simplicity and technical mastery seen in The Brooch. Eva Mudocci secures its lasting importance within the artist's œuvre. This influential work is presently held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where it contributes to the museum’s comprehensive holdings of master prints.