Head of an Old Man with Beard (1902)

This artwork, *Head of an Old Man with Beard* by Edvard Munch, created in 1902, offers a powerful and visually striking depiction. It is a print, likely created using a woodcut technique, which is evident from the bold, black lines and the contrasting flat areas of color. This method perfectly suits the emotional and somewhat raw aesthetic often found in Munch’s works.In the image, the central theme is the head of an old man, with deeply etched lines that make up his face and long beard, conveying both age and texture. The face is marked by prominent features such as a furrowed brow, deep-set eyes, a protruding nose, and a flowing beard. These elements not only emphasize the old man's age but also imbue the portrait with a sense of wisdom and perhaps a lifetime of experiences.The background of the print utilizes a stark red color which contrasts dramatically with the black of the man’s features. This choice of background could symbolize a range of emotions such as passion, pain, or vigor, which Munch sought to encapsulate within his expressionistic style.Visually, the bold separation of color and form highlights the expressiveness for which Munch is renowned; it captures an intensity of emotion that invites viewers to reflect on the subject’s inner life and experiences.