Artwork
Head of a Man
Head of a Man is a print by Edvard Munch. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Head of a Man is a 1918 print by Edvard Munch, a Norwegian artist renowned for emotionally charged works. This piece showcases a profiled male face, characterized by bold, simplified forms and expressive lines, reflecting Munch's signature psychological intensity.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a man in profile with wavy hair and hand under chin, conveys inner turmoil through its execution rather than explicit depiction. The emphasis lies in the emotional state implied by the expressive drawing style.
Technique & Style
Executed primarily in black ink on light paper, the work features quick, loose, and uneven lines, resulting in a rough, unfinished appearance. This sketchy quality suggests a rapid study, prioritizing emotional capture over refinement.
History & Provenance
Created in 1918, during a period of Munch's continued exploration of psychological themes, following his earlier, more famous works like The Scream. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Within Munch's oeuvre, Head of a Man aligns with his broader thematic concerns of capturing inner emotional struggles. The piece reflects the artist's development of a distinctive, psychologically intense visual language.
Legacy
While not as widely recognized as The Scream, Head of a Man contributes to the understanding of Munch's consistent exploration of emotional expression, influencing subsequent artists in the realm of psychological portraiture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edvard Munch ( MUUNK; Norwegian: ; 12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian painter.
