Edvard Munch

The Kiss

Maker

Edvard Munch (Norwegian, 1863-1944), designer

Title

The Kiss

Year

1902

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

woodcut

Supports

Dimensions

Plate: 47 x 45.4 cm (18 1/2 x 17 7/8 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Inscription: Signed, in graphite, at LL below plate mark: E Munch

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Mary B. Jackson Fund

Object Number

39.033

Type

Exhibition History

Modern and Contemporary Galleries (Jun - Dec PDP Rotation)
Jun 30, 2014 – Dec 01, 2014

Label copy

Between 1889 and 1944, Edvard Munch created multiple versions of The Kiss in prints, drawings, and paintings. As he revised and simplified the composition, he reduced the lovers’ shared physical and emotional connection to a flattened icon. In 1902, Munch executed his most abstracted version of the motif to date, replacing the couple’s surroundings with a flat pattern of wood grain.

To enhance the grain, he likely soaked the background block in water or filed away the softer areas with a tool such as a wire brush, raising the ridges. He inked the background block in gray and the cutout portion containing the kissing couple in black

Re-Viewing the Twentieth Century
Jul 21, 2006 – Apr 22, 2007
Expressionist Visions
Prints and Drawings from the Museum's Collection
Dec 04, 1992 – Jan 24, 1993
German Expressionist Prints and Drawings
Jun 20, 1986 – Aug 16, 1986
Master Prints from the Permanent Collection
Jun 21, 1985 – Sep 08, 1985

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Edvard Munch (Norwegian, 1863-1944), designer
The Kiss, 1902
Woodcut on tan wove paper
Plate: 47 x 45.4 cm (18 1/2 x 17 7/8 inches)
Mary B. Jackson Fund 39.033

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