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Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
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Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Open 10:00–5:00

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

The Bear

1908/1909

Edvard Munch

Associated Names

Edvard Munch

Artist, Norwegian, 1863 - 1944

This image depicts two abstract figures created with flowing lines and shapes that appear to be merging or emerging. The left figure is composed of loose black strokes, while the right figure has one section in dark strokes and another in light outlines, creating a contrast between shadow and light. Both figures evoke a sense of intimate interaction and human gestures.

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Artwork overview

Medium

lithograph in black
Credit Line

The Epstein Family Collection
Dimensions

image: 21.4 x 41.2 cm (8 7/16 x 16 1/4 in.)
sheet: 48 x 65.1 cm (18 7/8 x 25 5/8 in.)
Accession Number

2002.10.5
Catalogue Raisonné

Woll 2001, no. 345, State only
Series Title

Alpha and Omega

Alpha and Omega

Edvard Munch

1908

Alpha and Omega

Edvard Munch

1908

The drawing depicts various animals and abstract figures in a dramatic scene. The animals include a tiger and other fantastical creatures surrounding a figure on the ground. On the right, abstract figures with exaggerated expressions stand together with their arms raised. The background shows a mountainous landscape with lines suggesting water or sky. The composition uses bold, dynamic lines to convey movement and tension. — Alpha's Death

Edvard Munch

1908

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

2020

Edvard Munch and the Cycle of Life, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, 2020, no cat.

Bibliography

1907

Schiefler, Gustav. Verzeichnis des graphischen Werks Edvard Munchs bis 1906. vol. 1. Berlin, 1907 (reprinted 1974); and Schiefler, Gustav. Edvard Munch. Das graphische Werk 1906-1926. vol. 2. Berlin, 1927. (reprinted 1974).

2001

Woll, Gerd. Edvard Munch: The Complete Graphic Works. New York, 2001.

Wikidata ID

Q76338497

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