The alternative title, Woman Making Love, and the inclusion of a foetus and spermatozoa in the border suggest the binding of spiritual and secular worlds through the life cycle. Munch’s sinuous, flowing lines are reminiscent of the Art Nouveau style and create a halo-like effect around the woman. The symbolic power and drama of the image is particularly heightened in this rare version, to which Munch added colour by hand to create a unique work.

Courtesy the Gundersen Collection