Edvard Munch

Galleri K, Oslo

Acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 1990

Separation II emerged from Munch's early exploration of transfer lithography and demonstrates his desire to experiment with unconventional techniques. Instead of drawing directly onto a lithographic stone or a prepared transfer sheet, Munch worked on a sheet of paper laid over a coarse textile surface. As he drew with crayon, the irregular weave of the fabric was impressed into the image, creating a distinctive texture. When subsequently transferred to stone and printed, this process produced the remarkable sense of depth, atmosphere and translucency evident in the present impression. This impression was most likely produced by Lassally in Berlin, as several comparable impressions printed in deep blue on thin Japan paper bear Lassally's signature, dated 1906-9.