The Kiss of Death (Todeskuss) 1899

Edvard Munch made this lithograph, “The Kiss of Death”, using a stone printing plate and greasy ink. He was part of a generation of artists drawn to printmaking, because the medium allowed for wider distribution of their work, and the process had a close affinity with drawing. If you look closely, you can see the subtle textures and tones achieved by the lithographic process. The stark contrast between the dark ink and the light paper amplifies the image's emotional intensity. Munch's direct and expressive lines feel spontaneous, yet the final print demanded careful planning and technical skill. This reproductive method is a key to its significance; it reflects the industrialized world around him, the print being a multiple, not unique, impression. This brings it closer to the world of the poster, of commercial communication, than to the rarified realm of painting. By embracing this format, Munch expanded the audience for his art, making it accessible to a broader public. It reminds us that art is not just about individual genius, but also about the social and economic context in which it is made and circulated.