Edvard Munch's The Scream is one of the most iconic paintings in art history, symbolizing existential angst and human anxiety. While many recognize the haunting figure and swirling sky, fewer people realize that Munch actually created five different versions of The Scream, each with its own unique characteristics. In this blog, we explore the origins of this masterpiece, the five known versions, and where they are today.

The Origins of The Scream 

Edvard Munch, a Norwegian painter, created The Scream as part of his series The Frieze of Life, which explored themes of love, fear, and death. The inspiration for the artwork came from a personal experience in 1892 when Munch was walking at sunset and felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety. He later wrote in his diary:

"I was walking along the road with two friends – then the sun set – the sky suddenly 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 anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature."

This vision became the foundation for one of the most emotionally powerful paintings of all time.

The Five Versions of The Scream

Munch created five different versions of The Scream between 1893 and 1910, using different mediums. Each version conveys the same intense emotion but with unique variations in color, texture, and execution.

1. The 1893 Tempera on Cardboard (National Gallery, Oslo)

• This is the first and most famous painted version of The Scream.
• Created using tempera and crayon on cardboard.
• Currently housed at the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway.
• Known for its strikingly vivid colors and deep emotional intensity.

2. The 1893 Lithograph (Various Collections)

• Munch created a lithograph version to allow for prints to be made and widely distributed.
• Some of these prints are in institutions like the MoMA (New York) and private collections.
• Features strong black-and-white contrast, emphasizing the figure's raw emotion.

3. The 1895 Pastel on Board (Private Collection, Previously Sold at Sotheby’s)

• One of the most vibrant versions, created with pastel on board.
• Sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2012 for nearly $120 million, making it one of the most expensive artworks ever sold.
• Currently in a private collection.

4. The 1895 Lithograph with Hand Coloring (Various Museums)

• A lithograph print that Munch hand-colored, making it a unique hybrid between print and painting.
• Copies exist in several major art museums, including the British Museum (London).

5. The 1910 Tempera on Board (Munch Museum, Oslo)

• This later version closely resembles the 1893 tempera painting but with slightly different color tones and brushwork.
• This version was stolen in 2004 from the Munch Museum in Oslo but was recovered in 2006.
• Currently displayed at the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway.

The Lasting Impact of The Scream

The Scream has had a profound influence on modern and contemporary art, becoming a universal symbol of human anxiety. The artwork has been referenced in popular culture, from movies to memes, reinforcing its timeless relevance.

Today, whether in a museum or a private collection, The Scream continues to captivate audiences with its haunting intensity and raw emotion.

Where to See The Scream

If you want to see this masterpiece in person, visit:

• National Gallery, Oslo – The 1893 tempera version.
• Munch Museum, Oslo – The 1910 tempera version.
• Various institutions – Lithograph versions are displayed in places like MoMA (New York) and the British Museum (London).

Munch’s masterpiece reminds us that art has the power to evoke deep emotions and reflect the human experience. Whether you see it in a museum or in a digital format, The Scream remains a defining piece of expressionist art.