The Scream (1910) by Edvard MunchThe Munch Museum, Oslo
A curious incident…
Do you think you can guess the painting? As you scroll, the slides will zoom out, revealing more details. But see if you can guess before the big reveal. Prepare yourself for a shocking conclusion!
It's only a guess, but it looks like two boats far out at sea. Maybe that's a mountain or a cloud in the distance. But where exactly are they? Let's take another look.
Some people on the shore? They may be wearing top hats, but with those vivid colours and expressive brushstrokes it's definitely a modern painting. Who might make such a thing?
What's this? A twisted body, streaks of red? Definitely a tormented soul. Let's zoom out and see which painting we have here.
Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1910
It's all so clear now. It's The Scream by Edvard Munch!
Munch said he based The Scream on a real experience he had when walking on the outskirts of Oslo. "I was out walking with two friends - the sun was setting - suddenly the sky turned blood red - I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence…
…there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city - my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with angst - and I sensed an endless scream passing through nature."
Munch painted several versions of The Scream, and this one was involved in a real-life mystery. In 2004 it was stolen in broad daylight from the Munch Museum in Oslo. It was missing for two years, and spent another two being repaired. It went back on exhibition in 2008.
Now, why not put your detective skills to work, and learn more about The Scream. But something to ponder as you go: was he screaming, or was he hearing a scream?
