Why Was The Scream Painting Controversial

Edvard Munch’s The Scream is one of the most famous and enigmatic paintings in art history, but it has also been the subject of controversy and intrigue since its creation in the late 19th century. The painting’s unsettling imagery, vibrant colors, and raw emotional intensity shocked audiences and critics alike when it was first exhibited.

At the time Munch created The Scream, in 1893, the dominant art movements emphasized realism and structured compositions. Munch, influenced by Symbolism and the burgeoning Expressionist movement, defied traditional techniques, instead focusing on conveying emotion rather than strict representation. His use of swirling lines, exaggerated color contrasts, and a haunting central figure conveyed an overwhelming sense of anxiety and existential dread.

Many critics and audiences found the painting disturbing. The screaming figure, with its elongated face and hollow eyes, stood in stark contrast to the aesthetic ideals of the time. The dreamlike, distorted landscape and unnatural colors further added to its unsettling effect. Some saw it as a radical departure from artistic conventions, while others interpreted it as a deeply personal expression of mental anguish, a theme not commonly explored so openly in art.

Additionally, Munch’s personal life was steeped in tragedy and psychological turmoil, with the deaths of his mother and sister, his father’s strict religious beliefs, and his own battles with anxiety and illness. Some critics at the time dismissed the painting as a product of a troubled mind rather than a serious work of art. The painting’s stark depiction of human vulnerability and fear resonated with some but repelled others, leading to polarizing reactions.

In later years, The Scream became an icon of existential dread, associated with themes of alienation and anxiety. Its controversial status persisted due to its daring artistic choices and its influence on modern art. Despite, or perhaps because of, this controversy, The Scream has endured as one of the most recognizable artworks in the world.

Many people are surprised to learn that there is not just one The Scream painting but four distinct versions created by Munch. The existence of multiple versions has led to speculation, intrigue, and questions about why Munch replicated his own work multiple times.

The four versions of The Scream are as follows:

1. 1893 Painting (National Gallery, Oslo) – This is the original version created in tempera and crayon on cardboard.
2. 1893 Lithograph – Munch created a black-and-white lithograph of The Scream, which allowed for multiple printed reproductions. This version helped spread the image widely.
3. 1895 Pastel (Private Collection, Sold in 2012) – This version was created using pastels and is one of the most vibrant renditions.
4. 1910 Painting (Munch Museum, Oslo) – This is another painted version, believed to have been created as Munch revisited his themes in later years.

Munch’s decision to create multiple versions of The Scream was likely influenced by several factors:

• Artistic Experimentation: Munch frequently revisited his themes, experimenting with different colors, materials, and compositions.
• Demand and Recognition: By the late 1890s, Munch was gaining recognition, and his works were in demand. Multiple versions allowed him to exhibit and sell The Scream while still retaining a version for himself.
• Personal Connection: Munch saw The Scream as part of his Frieze of Life series, which explored themes of love, anxiety, and death. He may have felt compelled to revisit the image as part of his personal and artistic development.

Each version retains the haunting essence of the original, but subtle differences in color, detail, and texture make them unique. Munch’s creation of multiple versions ensured that The Scream would become one of the most widely recognized and reproduced images in art history.

While all four versions of The Scream are important, the most famous and widely recognized version is the 1893 tempera and crayon on cardboard painting, housed in the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway. This version is often the one used in books, documentaries, and reproductions and is considered the original.

The 1895 pastel version gained significant attention when it was sold at auction for $119.9 million in 2012, making it one of the most expensive artworks ever sold at the time. This version remains in a private collection, adding to its mystique.

The 1910 version, housed in the Munch Museum in Oslo, has also gained fame, partly because it was stolen in a dramatic art heist in 2004 and later recovered in 2006. The theft added to the legend surrounding The Scream and heightened public interest in the painting.

Despite the existence of multiple versions, the 1893 painting remains the definitive and most widely recognized iteration, solidifying its place as an icon of modern art.

Due to the existence of multiple versions, The Scream can be found in different locations:

• The National Gallery, Oslo (Norway) – This museum houses the original 1893 version, which is the most famous.
• The Munch Museum, Oslo (Norway) – This museum houses the 1910 painted version, as well as many of Munch’s other works.
• Private Collection – The 1895 pastel version was sold at auction in 2012 and remains in a private collection.
• Various Art Institutions (Lithograph Prints) – The 1895 lithograph version exists in multiple prints housed in different museums and collections worldwide.

For those who wish to see The Scream in person, visiting Oslo provides the best opportunity, as both painted versions are in Norwegian institutions.

The Scream remains one of the most powerful and emotionally charged artworks in history. Its controversy stems from its unsettling imagery and bold departure from artistic norms of its time. Munch’s decision to create four versions has ensured its longevity and prominence, while the original 1893 painting remains the most recognized. Despite its multiple locations, Oslo remains the heart of The Scream, where art lovers can witness the haunting masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences more than a century after its