Edvard Munch’s paintings have maintained their captivating hold on audiences for over one hundred years, with The Scream being among the most recognizable and distinct works of modern art. In this accessible guide to the artist, art historian Øystein Ustvedt tells the story of how Munch became one of the most celebrated artists in the world.
Ustvedt conducts a thorough visual analysis of Munch’s paintings, examining how he painted emotions in a way that had not been seen before and unpacking why his images have remained so significant. This study is paired with a revealing discussion of Munch’s turbulent life—from a childhood marked by the death of his mother and sister, to his adult life spent in France and Germany, as well as the mysterious saga that left Munch with a gunshot wound after a breakup.
Full of rarely seen images from Munch’s archive, as well as fascinating insight into his life and work, Edvard Munch presents a welcome opportunity to get to know Norway’s most famous artist.
Reviews
A vital, approachable introduction to the celebrated expressionist… Techniques, breakthroughs, symbols, controversies and the artist's lifeblood all get illuminated in prose of rare clarity… Finely illustrated.
— Shelf Awareness
Insightful, vibrant… A beautifully produced introduction to a celebrated artist.
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Contributors
Øystein Ustvedt
Author
Øystein Ustvedt has published widely on Munch, including Edvard Munch: An Inner Life.
