Eifersucht II 1896

Edvard Munch created this print, titled "Jealousy II", using etching and aquatint techniques. The image suggests themes of sexual politics and male anxiety. The exaggerated features and the stark contrast of black and white contribute to the emotional intensity of the work. Made in Norway, at the end of the 19th century, the print reflects the Symbolist movement's interest in exploring inner psychological states. The figure in the foreground is a male, a voyeur, whilst in the background a naked female stands in-between two other males. The themes of the print relate to the social debates around sexual morality, as well as modern theories of psychology, that were becoming mainstream around the time. Munch's work was controversial, often critiquing conservative social norms. To understand "Jealousy II" fully, one could research the cultural context of late 19th-century Scandinavia. Contemporary literary and philosophical sources, as well as exhibition reviews from the period, would shed further light on the print's meaning and reception.