“The Scream,” an iconic work by Edvard Munch created in 1910, is an exemplary piece of the Expressionist movement. This tempera on cardboard artwork measures 83.5 by 66 centimeters and is categorized as a genre painting. It is part of a series with the same name and currently resides at the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway.
The artwork portrays a figure standing on a bridge with a tumultuous sky above. The central figure is captured in a moment of profound psychological distress, its hands on its cheeks as it screams, or perhaps shields itself from the visceral swirls of color that represent the landscape. The background consists of a swirling sky with streaks of orange, red, and yellow, evoking a sense of turmoil and echoing the figure’s intense emotional state. The undulating blue and black patterns of the water enhance the dramatic effect. In the distance, two figures are visible, their presence adding to the sense of isolation and despair experienced by the main subject.
This composition is defined by its bold colors, expressive brushwork, and the profound sense of emotion it conveys, all of which are hallmarks of Expressionism. Through “The Scream,” Munch delves deeply into themes of existential dread and human anxiety, making this work resonate with audiences across different eras.
