The Day After (Dagen derpå)

The Day After (Dagen derpå) by Edvard Munch is a seminal print executed in 1894, categorized within the artist's output from the 1894–95 period and specifically signed in 1895. This piece showcases Munch’s mastery of graphic techniques, having been realized through the demanding combination of drypoint and etching. The work is a critical example of the Norwegian master’s move toward exploring intimate psychological states through the stark, expressive language of printmaking.

Munch frequently utilized print media to address themes of modern life, focusing intently on the emotional aftermath of social and personal struggles. While no specific detailed description is given, the title The Day After suggests a narrative moment reflecting exhaustion, emotional vulnerability, or the consequences of excess, typical subject matter for Symbolist artists exploring fin-de-siècle anxiety. Munch’s use of drypoint allows for fuzzy, rich lines, contrasting sharply with the controlled precision of etching, enhancing the feeling of rawness and immediacy central to the subject’s internal state.

The significance of Munch’s output during this period (1894–95, signed 1895) lies in its formal experimentation and thematic consistency, cementing his reputation as a pioneer of Expressionism. These graphic works served as crucial parallel developments to his celebrated paintings, allowing him to refine and disseminate his expressive vocabulary. The widespread accessibility of Munch's prints, often available in the public domain, underscores their continued influence on modern art. This particular example of The Day After is preserved within the distinguished collection of the Museum of Modern Art, affirming its status as a landmark work of modern graphic art.