The Young Model (Das junge Modell) 1894

Edvard Munch made this drawing, "The Young Model," with pencil on paper. It’s a seemingly simple medium, yet Munch uses it to create a complex emotional landscape. The stark contrast between the heavy, shadowed figure behind the model and her delicate form is striking. The varying pressure of the pencil strokes gives the drawing its expressive power. Notice how the hatching defines the form of the bench she sits on, giving it a solid, almost oppressive weight. Pencil, being easily smudged, also adds a degree of ambiguity. This is a quick medium, yet, the artist's hand is visible in the texture and the choices of what to reveal or obscure. It's a good reminder that all mark-making embodies a deliberate approach to materials. By exploring the potential of a humble medium, Munch elevates it to a vehicle of profound emotion and challenges any rigid distinction between drawing and other art forms.