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The Scream
Oil, Tempera and Pastel on Cardboard | 1893
Nasjonalgalleriet, Oslo, Norway
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About the painting:
What is your first reaction when you look at this painting? Most people look first at the face of the figure in the foreground. Many people find the wavy lines and the colors in the background strange. Look at the pale face and hands of the central figure. How would you describe his expression? Fear? Terror? Surprise?
The Scream (1893) is a series of expressionist paintings by artist Edvard Munch. He reproduced it many times, and in different media: paintings, drawings, and prints. It was his most famous painting.
Its central figure is a symbol of modern man, terrified of the state of the world.
The painting shows pain, isolation, and fear. Munch explained that one day he was walking with some friends when suddenly all of nature seemed to cry out. He put his hands over his ears to close out the scream.
Stolen-and Stolen Again!
In 1994, the version of The Scream in Norway’s National Gallery was stolen. The same day as the opening of the 1994 Winter Olympics, four men broke into the National Gallery and stole the painting, leaving a note reading "Thanks for the poor security." It was recovered several months later.
In 2004, a different version of The Scream was stolen from the Munch Museum, which was also in Oslo, Norway. The painting was recovered in 2006. It had sustained some damage and was restored.
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| To see other works by Edvard Munch, Click HERE |
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