Edvard Munch

Woodcut printed in green, light and dark blue, yellow, orange, beige pink and black, the colours fresh, 1898, a good impression of Woll's state c/IV/2 with the stencilled moon and its reflection in the water, signed in pencil, printed by the artist or Nielsen probably around 1917, on fine japan paper

With small margins, paper losses at corners and along edges of sheet, one repaired loss at upper left corner extending (circa 20mm) into the image, a vertical repaired tear at lower right edge (circa 35mm) just extending into image, a circular loss which has been filled in at lower centre part of the foreground, the signature faded, paper loss to lower part of signature, backed with a sheet of japan paper, recommend viewing before bidding, framed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This beautiful and haunting print exemplifies Munch's engagement with symbolist ideas of colour and form embodying meaning. A young girl stares out to sea, her sensual tresses of red hair seeping blood-like onto her virginal white dress. Beside her sits a macabre death-like figure clothed in black, which she is fated to become. The monumental quality of the figures and their static positioning denote their importance as signifiers of meaning. They are nameless, faceless ciphers in an anonymous landscape, where the cycle of life becomes a sinister meditation on the fate of man's existence. The rough texture of the woodblock has been incorporated into the work, and the limited colours and basic shapes give powerful expression to Munch's preoccupation with the existential anguish of loneliness, sex and death.