39615 Edvard Munch (1863-1944)

The drawing presents two figures set against a stark, undulating landscape. The composition is dominated by a monochromatic palette, achieved through hatching and cross-hatching techniques that create a sense of texture and depth despite the limited tonal range.
In the foreground, a woman with long, flowing hair occupies much of the lower portion of the frame. Her gaze is directed downwards, conveying an expression of melancholy or introspection. The artist has rendered her features with a degree of exaggeration, emphasizing the lines around her eyes and mouth to suggest age or weariness. She wears what appears to be a simple garment, its folds indicated by careful shading.
Behind her stands another figure, taller and more slender, also characterized by long hair. This individual’s posture is upright, with their head turned slightly away from the viewer, creating a sense of distance or detachment. The landscape behind them rises in gentle waves, rendered with similar hatching to create a unified visual texture.
The lower right corner contains printed text, including what appears to be a title (Peer Gynt) and a list of names. This textual element suggests that the drawing is an illustration connected to a literary work or theatrical production. The presence of this text anchors the figures within a narrative context, implying they are characters from a story.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and perhaps even isolation. The starkness of the monochrome palette reinforces the emotional weight of the scene, while the stylized rendering of the figures suggests an exploration of psychological states rather than a purely realistic depiction. The landscape serves as both backdrop and symbolic element, hinting at vastness or the passage of time.