Portrait of Dr. Hermann Seidel 1898

This is Edvard Munch’s rendering of Dr. Hermann Seidel, captured with etching on paper. The stark and intimate portrayal of Dr. Seidel draws us in. The most striking feature is his prominent mustache, adorned with what appears to be leaves. This detail may seem whimsical, but it speaks to a deeper, almost pagan connection to nature, not unlike ancient depictions of figures associated with growth. Consider the Green Man of medieval folklore, a symbol of rebirth whose face is similarly entwined with foliage. Here, however, the leaves are far more controlled, suggesting perhaps a desire to tame the wild within. The mustache itself, a symbol of virility and strength, is softened, hinting at the vulnerability of the human condition. These symbols are not static; they resonate with our collective memory and subconscious desires, evolving and resurfacing across time in an endless dance.