The Scream
The Scream is arguably the most well-known human image in Western art history, rivaled only by the Mona Lisa. Our collective cultural awareness has been shaped by its ambiguous, skull-shaped head, outstretched hands, enormous eyes, flaring nostrils, and oval mouth; the swirling blue surroundings, particularly the blazing orange and yellow sky, have given rise to a number of interpretations about the scenario represented.
Norwegian artist Edvard Munch created a series of expressionist paintings and prints titled The Scream that depicts a figure in agony against a blood-red sky. Oslofjord can be seen in the background as seen from a hill in Oslo. The Scream was reimagined by Edvard Munch in a number of different media. The National Gallery of Norway has the original painting, which was created in 1893. It was taken in 1994 during a well-publicized art theft and found a few months later. Another rendition of The Scream was taken from the Munch Museum in 2004; it was later found there in 2006.
Artist: Edvard Munch
Date: 1893
Where to see it: National Museum (Oslo, Norway -- opening in 2020) and Munch Museum (Oslo -- through May 2020)
