ADVERTISEMENT

Edvard Munch

Norwegian painter known for The Scream

Edvard Munch's life was marked by illness, bereavement, and mental health concerns. Influenced by nihilism, he developed a unique style. Traveling to Paris and Berlin, he absorbed new artistic influences. The iconic painting, The Scream, reflects modern angst. Despite personal struggles, Munch's fame and acceptance grew. His legacy survived World War II.

Related

Gustav Klimt Vincent van Gogh Salvador Dalí Hun Manet Rembrandt Impressionism Keith Haring Pablo Picasso Andy Warhol Marc Chagall

Timeline

Edvard Munch's Influence on Modern Psychology

Edvard Munch's artworks have captured the inner life and psyche of modern man, making him a pioneer in the development of modern psychology. His depictions of existential dread, anxiety, and loneliness have significantly influenced the understanding of human emotions and mental states.

Birth of Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch, one of the most significant artists of Modernism, was born on December 12, 1863. Despite facing health challenges in his childhood, his passion for drawing led him to decide to become a painter at the age of 17.

Munch Family Moves to Christiania

In 1864, the Munch family moved to Christiania, which later became Kristiania in 1877 and then Oslo in 1925.

Leaves Cathedral School

Edvard Munch leaves the Cathedral School due to illness and starts home schooling; also begins to visit the Kristiania Art Association and its exhibitions.

Munch painted The Sick Child in 1886, which was based on his sister's death. This painting marked his first departure from Impressionism, focusing on emotional content and expressive energy.

Exhibits at the Autumn Exhibition

In 1888, Edvard Munch exhibited four paintings at the Autumn Exhibition, including 'The Sick Child,' which sparked a controversial reaction. The painting stirred up a storm of debate and discussion among viewers.

Controversial Paintings by Edvard Munch

On March 15, 1892, Edvard Munch's paintings sparked controversy due to their provocative and unconventional style.

Edvard Munch's Controversial Exhibition in Berlin

In November 1893, Edvard Munch was invited by the Union of Berlin Artists to exhibit his paintings, which sparked bitter controversy leading to the closure of the exhibition after just one week. Despite this setback, Munch's paintings were later shown at exhibitions in various cities including Düsseldorf, Copenhagen, Breslau, Dresden, and Munich.

The Frieze of Life begins to take shape

In 1894, Edvard Munch's iconic series 'The Frieze of Life' starts to take form, showcasing his deep exploration of themes like love, anxiety, and death.

Exhibits with Akseli Gallen-Kallela in Berlin

In September 1895, Edvard Munch exhibits alongside Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela at the Ugo Barroccio Gallery in Berlin, showcasing their artistic collaboration.

Edvard Munch Moves to Paris

In March 1896, Edvard Munch relocated to Paris, a significant event in his life and artistic career.

Publication of Madonna Reproduction in L'Aube

In March 1897, a full-page reproduction of Madonna by Edvard Munch was featured in the periodical L'Aube, showcasing his artistic talent to a wider audience.

Woman in Three Stages

The painting 'Woman in Three Stages' was created by Edvard Munch in 1899.

Munch is wounded by a gunshot and loses two finger joints in his left hand

During an argument in 1903, Edvard Munch suffered a gunshot wound that resulted in the loss of two finger joints in his left hand. This incident had a significant impact on his life and artistic career.

Nervous breakdown

In 1908, Edvard Munch experienced a nervous breakdown.

Exhibiting with the Brücke in Dresden

In March 15, 1909, Edvard Munch exhibited with the Brücke group in Dresden, Germany. This collaboration showcased his unique artistic style and contributed to the development of modern art.

Accorded a place of honor at the Sonderbund exhibition in Cologne

In 1912, Edvard Munch was given a place of honor at the significant Sonderbund exhibition in Cologne. This exhibition focused on the works of Expressionists and their predecessors, highlighting Munch's artistic contributions.

Exhibits 'Frieze of Life' paintings at Autumn Exhibition in Berlin

Munch showcases new versions of his 'Frieze of Life' paintings at the Autumn Exhibition in Berlin alongside Picasso. He also travels extensively in Europe and makes a visit to New York.

Publication of Curt Glaser's book 'Edvard Munch'

On March 15, 1917, a book about Edvard Munch, written by Curt Glaser, was published in Berlin.

Exhibition at Blomqvist in Kristiania

In 1922, Edvard Munch stages an exhibition at Blomqvist in Kristiania, revisiting The Frieze of Life and publishing a pamphlet defending his work and criticizing Norwegian critics for neglecting it initially.

Membership in the German Academy of Fine Art

On March 15, 1923, Edvard Munch became a member of the German Academy of Fine Art.

Continued impact of 'The Sick Child'

Even until 1926, Edvard Munch continued to be influenced by 'The Sick Child', highlighting the lasting effect his sister's death had on his artistic expression and psychological well-being.

Exhibitions in Berlin and Oslo

On March 15, 1927, Edvard Munch had exhibitions in both Berlin and Oslo.

Proposal for Oslo's Town Hall Murals

In 1928, Edvard Munch works on a proposal for murals to decorate Oslo's town hall.

Self-portrait During the Eye Disease

After suffering from a burst blood vessel in his right eye, Munch painted a self-portrait depicting the clot in his vision as a large, irregular purple sphere with a head and sharp beak. The painting symbolizes his struggle with the eye disease.

German Invasion of Norway

In 1940, German troops invade Norway and take control of the country, leading Edvard Munch to become anxious about his artworks and change his will to bequeath nearly all of his works to the municipality of Oslo.

Explosion in Oslo

On 19 December 1943, a gigantic explosion shakes Oslo, one week after Edvard Munch's 80th birthday. Edvard Munch, awakened by the blast, later captures the event in a watercolor. The next day, he falls sick with a cold.

Edvard Munch Dies at Age 80

On January 23, 1944, shortly after celebrating his 80th birthday, Edvard Munch peacefully passes away at his home in Ekely. He leaves behind a vast collection of artworks, including paintings, prints, drawings, watercolors, and sculptures, which he bequeaths to the city of Oslo.

Opening of the Munch Museum in Oslo

The Munch Museum in Oslo was opened in 1963 to house the remaining works of Edvard Munch. It holds a vast collection of his paintings, drawings, and prints, making it the most comprehensive collection of his works in the world.

Theft of one version of The Scream from the National Gallery

In 1994, one version of Edvard Munch's iconic painting 'The Scream' was stolen from the National Gallery. The painting was eventually recovered.

Theft of versions of The Scream and Madonna from the Munch Museum

In 2004, versions of Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' and 'Madonna' were stolen from the Munch Museum in a daring daylight robbery. Although the paintings were extensively damaged, they have been meticulously restored and are now on display again.

Munch's Masterpieces Said to Be Recovered

Lynn Neary's report on National Public Radio about the recovery of Edvard Munch's stolen masterpieces.

An Artist Working in Despair's Grip

Manohla Dargis' piece in The New York Times exploring Edvard Munch's artistic process and the theme of despair in his work.

Munch Was More Than a Scream

Grace Glueck's article in The New York Times highlighting the depth and complexity of Edvard Munch's artistic contributions.

Record Sale of Vampire Painting

On 3 November 2008, Edvard Munch's painting Vampire set a new record for his paintings, selling for US$38,162,000 at Sotheby's New York. This marked a significant milestone in the valuation of Munch's artworks.

The Bigger Picture

An article by Jonathan Jones in The Guardian discussing the significance of Edvard Munch beyond his famous painting 'The Scream'.

Opening of Edvard Munch Exhibition at Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt

In February 2012, a major exhibition titled Edvard Munch. The Modern Eye opened at the Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway, showcasing Munch's significant artistic contributions.

Sale of 'The Scream' for a record price

In May 2012, Edvard Munch's iconic painting 'The Scream' was sold for a record-breaking price of US$119.9 million. This sale made it the second most expensive artwork ever sold at an open auction at that time.

Edvard Munch: Beyond The Scream

Arthur Lubow's exploration of Edvard Munch's artistic legacy beyond his iconic painting 'The Scream'.

Exhibition of Munch's Self-Portraits

A recent exhibition at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm and the Royal Academy of Arts in London showcased self-portraits by Edvard Munch. The exhibition highlighted Munch's belief that a painter should capture the impact of personal experiences on their art.

Retrospective Exhibition at MoMA

A major retrospective of Edvard Munch's work was held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, aiming to showcase the artist's diverse body of work to a wider audience. The exhibition sought to provide a deeper understanding of Munch's art beyond the iconic 'The Scream'.

End of the Timeline
Edvard Munch

Popular

Pakistani politician and former cricketer

American Football

Contact team sport played in the United States.

American aerospace manufacturer and space technologies company.

The Coca-Cola Company

American multinational corporation founded in 1892

Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister

Mohammed bin Salman

ADVERTISEMENT

Recently Added

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

English professional football club in Brighton and Hove

Professional football club in West London

Burnley F.C. is a football club in Lancashire

A.F.C. Bournemouth

Football club with roots dating back to 1890

Gustave Courbet

French Realism painter and innovator

ADVERTISEMENT