Jens Thiis 1913

Editor: Okay, next up, we have Edvard Munch's pencil drawing, "Jens Thiis" from 1913. It’s such a stark, intense portrait! There’s almost a restless energy to it with those scribbly lines. What’s your take on this portrait, Professor? Curator: Ah, yes, Munch's feverish rendering. You feel the very *soul* fighting its way onto the paper, don't you? It reminds me of peering into a turbulent sea; you glimpse depths both fascinating and a bit… unsettling. Look at how the eye seems to pierce you even though it is averted; notice the agitated mustache. The overall feeling isn’t calm observation but more like the flash of recognition. Does that resonate with you? Editor: Absolutely. It's not just a depiction, it feels like an encounter. It's much rougher than traditional portraits I'm used to, it challenges you. Almost confrontational. Curator: Precisely. It bypasses pleasantries. Remember, Munch was an Expressionist – truth over beauty, guts over gloss. The world, and indeed, the individual, wasn't a serene landscape but a battlefield of raw feeling. This isn’t merely a face; it’s a glimpse into the swirling currents of early 20th-century anxiety. It makes you wonder about the relationship between Munch and Jens, doesn’t it? Did they argue, was this tense? Editor: Definitely adds another layer. So, seeing it less as a likeness and more as an emotional record. That's really powerful! I initially saw just a portrait, now I see a charged interaction, maybe even a silent argument caught on paper! Thanks for that deeper look. Curator: My pleasure! Art’s like a good novel, isn't it? Layers upon layers…each reading gives you more insight.