Woman with Red Hair and Green Eyes (The Sin)

Woman with Red Hair and Green Eyes (The Sin) is a renowned color lithograph created by Edvard Munch in 1901. This complex print exemplifies Munch’s deeply psychological approach to the human figure and his pioneering use of graphic arts to convey intense emotional states. Utilizing the expressive capabilities of the color lithograph technique, the artist depicts a close-up portrait dominated by intense red hair and piercing green eyes. The striking color palette, especially the fiery halo of hair surrounding the pale face, emphasizes the dramatic tension inherent in the work's charged subtitle, "The Sin."

Munch often explored themes of fear, love, isolation, and mortality, positioning him centrally within the Symbolist and emerging Expressionist movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originating from Norway, the artist's intense focus on interior states defined the Nordic fin-de-siècle sensibility. The portrayal of the woman in this piece is typical of Munch’s exploration of the femme fatale archetype, symbolizing both profound desire and potential spiritual danger.

The classification of this piece as a print highlights Munch’s commitment to graphic arts, recognizing the medium's potential for wide distribution and accessibility. Such prints allowed Munch to disseminate his potent psychological imagery broadly across Europe. The original work is a crucial part of the collection held by the Cleveland Museum of Art. Because of the lasting cultural significance of masterpieces like Woman with Red Hair and Green Eyes (The Sin), high-quality images of Munch’s most famous prints are frequently found in public domain archives, ensuring their continued study and appreciation worldwide.