Edvard Munch

Lore & Background

Munch's childhood was overshadowed by illness, bereavement, and the dread of inheriting a mental condition that ran in the family. His mother and favorite sister died of tuberculosis, and his father's morbid pietism and vivid ghost stories inspired macabre visions. He studied at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania, where he began a bohemian life under the influence of the nihilist Hans Jæger, who urged him to paint his own emotional and psychological state, leading to his distinctive style.

Travel brought new influences: in Paris he learned from Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, especially their use of color; in Berlin he met the Swedish dramatist August Strindberg, whom he painted. He embarked on a major series later called The Frieze of Life, depicting themes of love, anxiety, jealousy, and betrayal. The Scream was conceived in Kristiania; Munch said he was out walking at sunset when he 'heard the enormous, infinite scream of nature.' Between 1893 and 1910 he made two painted versions and two in pastels, plus prints. A mental breakdown in 1908 forced him to give up heavy drinking, and his later years were spent working in peace and privacy.

Reader's Guide

Edvard Munch's significance lies in his pioneering exploration of psychological and emotional states through art, most famously in The Scream, which has become a universal symbol of modern angst. His work, deeply influenced by personal tragedy and the bohemian circle of Kristiania, broke from naturalism to convey inner experience. Munch was also highly active in graphic art and printmaking, using intaglio techniques such as etching, drypoint, and aquatint, largely self-taught. His legacy was secured when most of his works survived World War II despite being banned in Nazi-occupied Europe. The Scream's pastel version commanded the fourth highest nominal price paid for a painting at auction, cementing his place in art history.

Did You Know?

• Munch's mother and favorite sister both died of tuberculosis.
• He made two painted versions and two pastel versions of The Scream between 1893 and 1910.
• One of The Scream pastels sold for the highest price at auction at the time of sale.
• Munch was largely self-taught in engraving on copper plates.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Edvard Munch (12 December 1863 – 23 January 1944) was a Norwegian Symbolist painter and printmaker, and an important forerunner of the Expressionistic art movement." — Edvard Munch "No longer shall I paint interiors with men reading and women knitting. I will paint living people who breathe and feel and suffer and love." — Edvard Munch "Quote from Munch's text (1889) 'Impressions from a ballroom, New Year's Eve in St. Cloud' - also known as 'The St. Cloud Manifesto'" — Edvard Munch "I thought I should make something – I felt it would be so easy – it would take form under my hands like magic." — Edvard Munch