Drypoint etching from copper plate

State III of III, Printed in Copenhagen

From portfolio Die Kunst des Radierens by Hermann Struck

10 x 14,5 cm 

Reference : Edvard Munch Complete Graphic Works, Gerd Woll, cat. 298.III

This drypoint was the first work Munch produced whilst he was a patient at Dr.Jacobson’s clinic in Copenhagen. Munch had, however painted a similar landscape from Asgardstrand in 1905. This drypoint is a reversed version of that painting. The drypoint was made on the direct request from Struck, who wrote Munch by the end of 1908 asking him to make a small intaglio for his book. In a letter dated 20^th October 1908, Struck thanks Munch for the reception of the plate. There were two further reworkings of this plate done by Munch on the request of Struck, in order to strengthen the plate, which had become quite worn. The third state appeared in the second edition of Struck’s book, 1912, the third, 1919, and the fourth and last, 1920.