Lot Essay
The woodcut variations of The Kiss are Munch's best known works. In 1897-98 Munch cut the first woodblock version of The Kiss. The importance that the artist attached to the subject is apparent in the careful alterations in gestures and colours in his quest for the ultimate form. Over a period of about five years the motif gradually developed into this highly stylized image of two figures merging into one another in an almost faceless and mouthless embrace.
In making this final woodcut Munch used two blocks; a figure block in black over which he printed with a strongly grained background block in grey. By isolating the couple from the surroundings, Munch captured that moment in which two people surrender themselves, and their individuality, totally. With this last version Munch finished his experiments. It is considered to be one of his purest images.
In making this final woodcut Munch used two blocks; a figure block in black over which he printed with a strongly grained background block in grey. By isolating the couple from the surroundings, Munch captured that moment in which two people surrender themselves, and their individuality, totally. With this last version Munch finished his experiments. It is considered to be one of his purest images.