Edvard Munch

Woodcut printed in black and red, 1902, a very rare impression of Woll's first state of two, Woll notes that Scheifler records only two impressions in this state (printed with the background), signed in pencil, on brownish cardboard, with wide margins (clipped at corners), in good condition apart from two small skinned areas at top corners verso associated with previous hinging

By repute Gustav Schiefler

Thence by descent

Private collection, acquired from the above 1967

In good condition. Please note that the corners of the sheet have been clipped. There are two flattened horizontal creases at the top and bottom edges of the sheet well away from image.
"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."

The present lot is of the utmost rarity. Schiefler records just two impressions with the background colour printed from a woodblock sawn in two pieces. The section of the woodblock delineating the head exists in the collection of Munch Museet, whilst the second part of the block forming the background is missing. The very few known impressions of this subject with the background suggest that this part of the block deteriorated quickly and was discarded. This theory is further substantiated by the fact that the block had been cut against the grain, as seen in the horizontal bands in the image at right which would have inevitably weakened the block.

1902 was a year of exceptional output by the artist in terms of prints and particularly woodcuts. Using highly sophisticated gouge techniques Munch achieves an almost three-dimensional effect for the face, imbuing the work with a sculptural presence with immense dramatic impact, further heightened by the contrast of the red background. Munch's use of colour in his prints is always significant, marking him out as a leading artist of the expressionist movement at the turn of the century.