The Scream

This work by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch is known as one of the best paintings from this era. The style of art that is used here is Expressionism and he uses it to create a haunting image with the character in the middle. This painting is very ominous; which the character’s appearance and the background of the painting supplement. The first thing one notices in the background are the two dark and featureless figures that are placed farther down the walkway or bridge that the main figure is standing on. They don’t have much of a purpose but they may just be there to add some context. The red sky has been said to be from Edvard Munch’s observations of ash in the sky in Norway from the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. (The Scream) The background as a whole is supposed to be the Oslofjord, outside of Oslo. It is painted from the perspective from the hill of Ekeberg. At the time when the work was created Munch’s maniac sister had been put in a mental hospital at the foot of Ekeberg. (The Scream) The main character is said to have been influenced by Peruvian mummies who were mummified crouched in the fetal position with their hands on their face. (The Scream) Its white, pale appearance and its dark clothing add to the creepy effect that it gives to the painting. The last part that really pulls the whole painting together is how the main character stares right at the viewer. It seems to make the observer of the painting as uncomfortable as the main character himself, which could have been intended by the artist

This painting was created in the era leading up to the First World War. During this time power had been shifting and tension between large countries had been escalating. Also people had been seeing armies and forces greater than anybody had ever seen before. It was only time before two of the most famous wars in history took place and also one of the most famous eras in history that really shifted power and changed the world forever. The people at the time had no idea what to expect and this painting shows Munch’s fearful emotions towards what could happen in the near future.

This artwork was chosen for this digital gallery not because it is a direct interpretation of war and violence itself but it shows the raw fear towards violent conflict that the public has. This painting is not of a real-life scene but it is sheer interpretation. The fact that this is Edvard Munch’s expression and emotion portrayed on a canvas shows the public fear of worldwide conflict at the time.

"The Scream." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 22 Apr. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scream>.