Portrait of a Young Girl (Miss Heiberg?) 1895

Edvard Munch made this print, "Portrait of a Young Girl," using drypoint, an intaglio printmaking technique. Munch lived in a time of great change and anxiety, and his work often reflected these tensions. Many believe this portrait may be of the actress Johanne Luise Heiberg, who was known for her performances of strong, independent women. However, what does it mean to depict a young girl with such stark intensity? During the late 19th century, societal expectations confined women to very specific roles. Munch, who struggled with personal loss and mental health, may have been using the portrait to examine themes of vulnerability and potential. He’s not just capturing a likeness; he’s delving into the complexities of identity, particularly as it's shaped by gender and societal pressures. In her gaze, we see not just the innocence of youth, but perhaps also a hint of the burdens and expectations that await her.