Melancholy II 1898

Edvard Munch created this print, "Melancholy II", using woodcut and lithography techniques. The composition is dominated by heavy, dark masses that evoke a somber mood, emphasized by the stark contrast between the red figure in the foreground and the dark, enveloping landscape. Notice how the figure is cropped, almost cut off from the scene. This compositional choice isolates the figure, enhancing the sense of alienation. The rough texture, achieved through the woodcut technique, and the flat areas of color, further contribute to the emotional intensity of the image. Munch’s use of these formal elements reflects the Symbolist movement's interest in expressing inner psychological states through simplified forms and evocative colors. The visual structure of “Melancholy II” thus becomes a powerful signifier of existential angst. Consider how the interplay between form and content invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between individual experience and the broader cultural landscape.