The Brooch. Eva Mudocci

The Brooch. Eva Mudocci by Edvard Munch Norwegian, 1863-1944, is a significant print created in 1903. This lithograph on thin Japanese paper captures the striking features of Eva Mudocci (born Maud Powell), a renowned English violinist who became Munch’s muse during his time in Germany and Paris around the turn of the century. As one of the most important figures in modern art, Munch frequently turned to printmaking to explore emotional states and complex psychological themes, making the classification of this piece as a print central to his overall artistic mission.

The technique employed, lithography, allowed Munch to achieve rich, velvety blacks and subtle tonal gradations, characteristics often enhanced by the delicacy of the Japanese paper substrate. Produced at the height of the Symbolist movement, the image focuses intently on the subject's intense gaze and the specific detail of the titular brooch fastened at her throat. This intense portraiture is characteristic of the work Munch produced during his active period abroad, yet it remains firmly rooted in the tradition of Norwegian artistic introspection.

The intensity of the gaze in The Brooch. Eva Mudocci suggests the deep connection and fascination the artist held for the musician. This work contributes valuable insight into the relationship between the artist and his sitter, a frequent source of psychological tension in Munch's oeuvre. While many of Munch’s most famous prints from this era focused on themes of anxiety and isolation, this portrait is notable for its directness and intimacy. It represents a key period in the artist's exploration of the medium, cementing his legacy as a master printmaker. This important example of the graphic work Munch produced in 1903 is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.