By the Deathbed. Fever 1896

"By the Deathbed. Fever" was created by Edvard Munch using diluted ink on paper. The stark monochrome wash emphasizes the emotional gravity of the scene, its fluidity imbuing the artwork with an ethereal quality. Note the thinness of the ink, which has the effect of making the figures appear ghostly, reflecting the presence of death. This technique—the act of drawing with ink—speaks to a deliberate choice by Munch to convey the weight of the moment through simple means. The immediacy of the ink drawing, with its minimal application, adds to the emotional intensity of the scene. Every stroke contributes to the overall atmosphere of sorrow and reflection. In this light, Munch’s work transcends traditional boundaries, inviting viewers to reflect on the human condition. It reminds us that art's power lies in its ability to communicate universal experiences through materiality and making.