Rago Auctions

Despite his successes in Germany, Munch suffered a psychological breakdown after ongoing alcohol dependency, hallucinations and paranoia, as well as the paralysis of his leg. The artist sought help in October 1908 from Dr. Daniel Jacobson at his clinic in Copenhagen and remained there until May 1909. Upon admittance, was placed in a locked room where he remained for eight days until his symptoms subsided. He was taken off of the drugs and alcohol he had been administering to himself for years and was given only "sleeping drops", which were likely chloral hydrate. Upon his emergence from this initial treatment, Munch began producing paintings, photographs and prints in his room, which he converted into a studio. 

Norwegian Landscape was the first work created while at the sanatorium and this particular printing bears an inscription showing Munch's gratitude to his doctor, "To Professor Jacobson in memory of kind reception. Engraved at the Clinic 8 days after admission." The image, commissioned by Hermann Struck for his book, Die Kunst des Radierens, was originally to be taken from a postcard of a Danish landscape but Munch chose instead to mirror his 1905 painting, Early Spring in Åsgårdstrand, which is currently in the collection of the Munch Museum, Oslo.