Five things you might not know about “The Scream”
iscover hidden aspects and details of Edvard Munch’s iconic painting.
“The Scream” is one of the most famous paintings in the history of art. It has become an icon that features in everything from political posters to horror films. Painted by Edvard Munch 130 years ago, it is also one of very few works of art to have its own emoji.
Here are five things you might not know about the work:
1. There’s a sketch on the back
“On the back of the painting, you find the original sketch for ‘The Scream’,” says Thierry Ford, paintings conservator at the National Museum.
The National Museum’s version of “The Scream” was the first that Munch painted. In addition to a second painted version, there exist two versions in pastel crayons and a lithographic print in black and white.
2. It’s painted on cardboard
Munch painted directly on a 3.5mm thick sheet of cardboard using a mixture of tempera paint, casein crayon and, finally, oil paint.
3. Something is written on the sky
On the red sky is the inscription:
“Can only have been painted by a madman!”
New research has shown that this was written by Munch himself. Read more about the research here.
4. Munch cut the painting
Running down the right-hand side of the picture is a red border. Munch initially reduced the width of the composition by vertically scoring this area with a knife; however, he subsequently appears to have decided to retain it, painting it red.
5. There are drops of candle wax
In the lower right corner of The Scream, there are several spatters of candle wax, dating from the time when Munch himself owned the painting.
Find out more
See “The Scream” in the National Museum, or zoom in on it in the online collection.
Maybe you’ll discover something new!
