Edvard Munch

Date of Birth: December 12, 1863

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: January 23, 1944

Biography

Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter and printmaker born on December 12, 1863, in Loten, Norway. He is best known for his iconic painting “The Scream,” which has become a symbol of existential angst and despair. Munch’s work is often associated with Symbolism and German Expressionism, and he played a crucial role in the development of modern art. His early life was marked by tragedy, losing his mother to tuberculosis when he was just five years old, followed by the death of his beloved sister Johanne Sophie from the same disease. These events profoundly influenced his work, which frequently explores themes of illness, death, and emotional suffering. Munch studied at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania (now Oslo) and was heavily influenced by the Symbolist movement in France, as well as the works of Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. His style evolved over the years, but he remained focused on conveying emotional and psychological states through his art. In addition to “The Scream,” his notable works include “The Madonna,” “The Sick Child,” and “The Dance of Life.” Munch never married and led a somewhat reclusive life, especially in his later years. Despite suffering from mental health issues and alcoholism, he continued to produce art until his death. He passed away on January 23, 1944, in Oslo, Norway, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be celebrated and studied.

5 Interesting Facts about Edvard Munch

1. Edvard Munch’s painting “The Scream” has four versions, two in paint and two in pastel.

2. Munch’s work was considered controversial during his time, and his exhibition in Berlin in 1892 was closed down due to its shocking nature.

3. He was a prolific artist, creating over 1,000 paintings, 4,000 drawings, and 15,000 prints.

4. Munch’s art was heavily influenced by his personal struggles, including the deaths of his mother and sister, as well as his own battle with mental illness.

5. In 1937, the Nazi regime labeled Munch’s work as “degenerate art,” and many of his pieces were removed from German museums.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edvard Munch

1. “From my rotting body, flowers shall grow, and I am in them, and that is eternity.”

2. “The camera cannot compete with painting as long as it can’t be used in heaven or hell.”

3. “Art is the opposite of nature… A work of art can come only from the interior of man.”

4. “Without anxiety and illness, I should have been like a ship without a rudder.”

5. “My fear of life is necessary to me, as is my illness.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Edvard Munch’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but his estate, including his artworks, is considered invaluable today. Some of his paintings have sold for over $100 million at auctions.