Postmortem photo of Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch (1863–1944) was a Norwegian painter and printmaker, best known for his iconic work The Scream (1893), which became a symbol of modern existential angst. Influenced by Symbolism and a pioneer of Expressionism, Munch’s art explored themes of love, anxiety, illness, and death, often reflecting his own personal struggles and psychological turmoil.

Born in Loten, Norway, Munch studied art in Oslo before traveling to Paris and Berlin, where he was influenced by contemporary movements. His distinctive style, marked by bold colors and evocative forms, challenged traditional artistic conventions and deeply influenced 20th-century modern art.

Despite periods of personal crisis and isolation, Munch continued painting throughout his life. He left a vast body of work, which remains celebrated for its emotional depth and psychological intensity. Today, he is regarded as one of the most important figures in modern art.