If you're
like me, the only thing you knew about the artist Edvard Munch is his painting The
Scream. And then I have to admit, I
might only have known about that because the painting was stolen from an Art
Gallery and subsequently returned.
Self Portrait 1882
So when I
saw a book about Munch in the library I got it out to learn more. And found an intriguing artist. While The Scream is his famous work I find it
a bit in your face. So I thought I would
tell you a bit more about the artist – now that I know – and show you some
other works by him.
Munch was
born in 1863 and grew up in Christiana in Norway (now known as Oslo). His life had more than its fair share of
tragedy. His mother died when he was
about 4. His sister died at 15. He, himself, was frequently very ill
indeed. After starting to study to be an
engineer, Munch announced that he was giving that up to become an artist. His family and friends most definitely did
not approve.
Morning 1884 – hated by the critics
He was the
epitome of a typical poor struggling artist relying on the support of others to
get by. And then there was the demon drink!
Evening 1889
This work
is of Munch's sister, Laura, who at this stage in her life was battling
schizophrenia.
The Kiss 1892
The Scream
resulted from a vision Munch experienced at sunset in the town of Ekeberg. The artist's mental state was on the edge.
the scream has been a favorite of mine since i was 13 years old.
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