The scream (Edvard Munch, 1890’s)

The scream is one of the most famous paintings, created by Edvart Munch in the 1890’s.

There are several questions about the painting and its deeper meaning. This post contains interesting facts and information that you are probably not aware of.

The dilemma

On the one hand, art lovers are convinced that the figure is screaming. Others say that it isn’t the individual who screams, but the actual scream comes from the surroundings around the person. At the end of the day, we will never be 100% sure about which one statement is correct. However, I think that when it comes to art, there is no black and white. We all see things from our own perspective. This is art about! Munch tried to express himself through painting. Nevertheless, like in every other language -because art is an international language-, we are not able to comprehend what everyone says.

There are two painting of “the scream”

One belongs to the National Gallery in Oslo. The other one is kept in the Munch Museum.

What is the meaning of “The scream“?

Over the years, many artists have tried to find the hidden message in the scream. Here you can read what is written about that topic: “It symbolizes the darkly troubled times Munch was experiencing as he dealt with mental illness and trauma, and his attempt to rationalize and explain his experience through what he knew best; painting.”

It is based on personal experience

 Firstly, Munch wrote in his diary:

“One evening I was walking along a path, the city was on one side and the fjord below. I felt tired and ill. […] I sensed a scream passing through nature; it seemed to me that I heard the scream. I painted this picture, painted the clouds as actual blood. The color shrieked. This became The Scream“

Edvard Munch

 Later, he wrote about his experience:

 I was walking along the road with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.

Is the scream still missing?

Yes, it is true! The Scream has been the target of several high-profile art thefts. The first time was in 1994. To be more specific, the version stolen was the one in the National Gallery. Someone founded it and returned several months later. The second time was in 2004 (from the Munch Museum in Oslo). Oh, no worries. Police found it and is now safe and sound!

In addition, you can read more about “The scream” here:Google Arts & Culture. For more information, you can also search here:Edvard Munch Paintings, Biography, and Quotes.

In conclusion, I am of the opinion that the painting is so popular due to the mystery and the story behind it. Although, some believe that Edvart Munch was a psychopath, it is well-known that his painting is valuable.