The Young Model

The Young Model by Edvard Munch, executed in 1894, is a powerful early example of graphic work by the influential Norwegian artist. Classified as a print, this lithograph demonstrates Munch’s growing engagement with the medium, which he utilized extensively to propagate his emotionally charged imagery across Europe. The inherent ability of the lithograph to produce high-contrast, linear results perfectly suited the thematic concerns Munch explored during this pivotal period of his career.

Unlike some of the more overtly dramatic subjects found in his contemporary The Frieze of Life cycle, this work focuses on a relatively intimate figurative study. Munch employs the unique qualities of the lithographic process, using stark tonal contrasts and heavy, expressive line work to define the figure. This technique allows for a palpable tension, often leaving the backgrounds empty or suggestive, emphasizing the psychological state of the subject over realistic setting. The approach highlights the artist's foundational role in the Symbolist movement and the nascent stirrings of Expressionism.

Produced during a phase when Munch was rapidly transitioning from oil painting into prolific printmaking, this specific 1894 piece helped solidify his reputation as a master graphic artist. These works, influential across Scandinavian and German artistic circles, captured the fin-de-siècle mood prevalent in Norwegian culture. This important lithograph is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), ensuring its continued availability for scholarly review. As a key artistic work, the image of The Young Model frequently enters relevant art historical discussions, and prints of this period often become available through specialized collections, benefiting students studying the late 19th century.