The Kiss (Der Kuss) 1895

Edvard Munch made this print, The Kiss, using etching techniques. The printmaking process allowed Munch to explore themes of love, anxiety, and human connection, while also offering an opportunity for wider distribution of his art. The process of etching involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, allowing for the creation of intricate lines and tonal variations. This print’s material quality gives the figures a soft, almost dissolving effect, which heightens the intimacy and vulnerability of the subject. The rough and irregular lines add to the sense of emotional intensity. Munch's choice of printmaking aligns with a broader trend in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where artists embraced techniques that blurred the lines between art and craft. By engaging with printmaking, Munch was able to address a broader audience and to engage with issues of labor, production, and consumption in modern society. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making, and context of ‘The Kiss’ allows us to appreciate Munch's innovative approach. It challenges the boundaries of traditional art history.