The Scream by Edvard Munch, 1893.
His most recognizable artwork,The Scream, remains a touchstone in the history of art.
So who was Edvard Munch and what led him to create such a powerful piece of art?
“The Scream” by Edvard Munch, 1893. (Photo: Public domain viaWikipedia)
Learn more about the life of Edvard Munch through these surprising facts about the Norwegian artist.
Undated photo of Munch.
This environment shaped Munch’s macabre sensibilities as an adult.
Undated photo of Munch. (Photo:Nasjonalbiblioteket/CC BY)
The Sick Child by Edvard Munch, 1885-1886.
Its even thought that his father may have confiscated some of Munchs early nude paintings.
Kiss IV by Edvard Munch, 1902.
“The Sick Child” by Edvard Munch, 1885-1886. (Photo: Public domain viaWikipedia)
He would also begin experimenting with printmaking after viewing work by Gauguin and the German artist Max Klinger.
Munchs woodcuts made him a pioneer of Norwegian printmaking.
Munch later moved to Berlin, where he would run with an international circle of creatives.
“Kiss IV” by Edvard Munch, 1902. (Photo: Public domainWikpedia)
In fact, it was while in Berlin that Munch created several versions ofThe Scream.
Ashes by Edvard Munch, 1984.
It alone exists in numerous versions, including two pastels, two paintings, and numerous lithographs.
“Ashes” by Edvard Munch, 1984. (Photo: Public domain via <a
By depicting a disturbing aspect of the human condition, Munch uses his own pain to connect with others.
In his diary, Munch wrote about his inspiration for the famous painting.
One evening I was walking along a path, the city was on one side and the fjord below.
“The Sun” by Edvard Munch, 1910-1911. (Photo: Public domain viaWikipedia)
I felt tired and ill.
I stopped and looked out over the fjordthe sun was setting, and the clouds turning blood red.
I sensed a scream passing through nature; it seemed to me that I heard the scream.
“Self-Portrait with Skeleton Arm” by Edvard Munch, 1895. (Photo: Public domain viaWikipedia)
I painted this picture, painted the clouds as actual blood.
The Sun by Edvard Munch, 1910-1911.
In 1908, things came to a head.
After suffering from hallucinations, he had a nervous breakdown and enrolled himself in a clinic.
He spent 8 months undergoing treatment before being released and returning home.
Upon his release, he resumed painting and his work took on a new tenor.
Bright and optimistic, his later paintings were more well-received by the public and museums started purchasing his work.
Self-Portrait with Skeleton Arm by Edvard Munch, 1895.
Seventy-one of the paintings were eventually returned to Norway by collectors, while eleven have never been recovered.
