Edward Munch
"Melancholy," 1894–1896

The Devil retired, selling his tools: Envy’s dagger, Wrath’s hammer, Greed’s traps, Jealousy’s arrows, Fear’s nets—each polished, priced. But at the center, on velvet, a worn wooden wedge: Despair. Its price? Higher than all others combined.

An onlooker scoffed: —Why so much for this broken peg?
The Devil smiled: —This is my favorite. Despair is invisible. While anger or envy alert their victims, this wedge slips into doubt unseen. A tiny crack, and the heart hardens, hands fall. Will fades. Once surrendered, the soul is open—I use all other tools freely.

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