Lena Rivera
The haunting and iconic Scream series by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch is one of the most recognizable works in art history, yet the question of how many original Scream paintings exist often sparks curiosity. Munch created multiple versions of The Scream between 1893 and 1910, using various mediums such as oil, tempera, and pastel on cardboard or canvas. Today, four primary versions are widely acknowledged as originals: two paintings and two pastels, housed in prestigious institutions like the National Museum and the Munch Museum in Oslo, and a private collection. Additionally, there are several lithographs and sketches associated with the series, but these are not considered part of the original count. The existence of these multiple versions reflects Munch's exploration of emotional expression and the enduring impact of his work on modern art.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Original Scream Paintings | 4 |
| Locations | The National Museum and The Munch Museum (Oslo, Norway), The National Gallery (Oslo, Norway), Private Collection (believed to be in the US) |
| Media | Tempera on cardboard (2), Oil, tempera, and pastel on cardboard (1), Oil and tempera on cardboard (1) |
| Dimensions | Varies slightly, approximately 91 cm × 73.5 cm (36 in × 28.9 in) |
| Dates of Creation | 1893 (2), 1910 |
| Ownership History | Created by Edvard Munch, later acquired by museums and private collectors |
| Notable Features | Iconic image of a figure with an agonized expression against a blood-red sky |
| Purpose | Part of Munch's "The Frieze of Life" series, exploring themes of anxiety and mortality |
| Current Status | Two on public display, one in a museum's collection but not on display, one in a private collection |
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What You'll Learn
- Edvard Munch's Versions: Munch created multiple versions of The Scream in different mediums
- Known Originals: Four original Scream paintings are confirmed to exist today
- Locations of Originals: Two in Oslo, one private, one stolen (recovered)
- Techniques Used: Pastel, tempera, oil, and lithograph versions were created by Munch
- Theft Incidents: Two Scream paintings were stolen but later recovered
Edvard Munch's Versions: Munch created multiple versions of The Scream in different mediums
Edvard Munch, the Norwegian artist behind the iconic *The Scream*, created multiple versions of this masterpiece across different mediums, ensuring its enduring legacy in the art world. The most well-known versions are the four original paintings, each with its own unique characteristics. Two of these are executed in oil paint, while the other two are in pastel and tempera on cardboard. These works were produced between 1893 and 1910, with Munch revisiting the motif to explore variations in color, texture, and emotional intensity. The oil paintings, housed in the National Museum and the Munch Museum in Oslo, are particularly renowned for their vivid hues and expressive brushwork.
In addition to the paintings, Munch also created lithographic prints of *The Scream*, further expanding its reach and accessibility. These prints, produced in 1895, allowed Munch to experiment with the composition and color palette, offering a more affordable medium for collectors and enthusiasts. The lithographs retain the haunting quality of the original paintings while showcasing Munch's skill in translating his vision into a different format. This diversification of mediums highlights Munch's innovative approach to art and his desire to communicate the universal anxiety depicted in *The Scream*.
Beyond the paintings and prints, Munch also incorporated the *Scream* motif into his graphic works and sketches. These preparatory studies provide invaluable insights into his creative process, revealing how he refined the iconic figure and its surroundings. The sketches, often executed in pencil or ink, demonstrate Munch's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture emotion through simple yet powerful lines. These works, though less famous than the final paintings, are essential to understanding the evolution of *The Scream*.
Munch's decision to create multiple versions of *The Scream* was not merely a commercial strategy but a reflection of his deep personal connection to the subject. The artist himself experienced profound anxiety and existential dread, themes that are central to the work. By revisiting the motif in different mediums, Munch sought to convey the timeless and universal nature of human despair. Each version, whether in oil, pastel, or print, carries its own emotional resonance, making *The Scream* one of the most compelling and multifaceted works in art history.
Finally, the existence of multiple original *Scream* paintings and their variations in medium has sparked debates about authenticity and value. While the four primary paintings are widely recognized as the core works, the lithographs and sketches are equally significant in understanding Munch's artistic vision. Together, these pieces form a comprehensive exploration of a single theme, solidifying *The Scream* as a symbol of modern angst and Munch's genius. As such, the question of "how many original *Scream* paintings are there" extends beyond mere numbers, inviting a deeper appreciation of Munch's creative process and enduring impact.
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Known Originals: Four original Scream paintings are confirmed to exist today
There are four original Scream paintings confirmed to exist today, each created by the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch between 1893 and 1910. These works are not mere replicas but distinct versions of Munch's iconic expressionist masterpiece, each varying in medium, size, and subtle details. The first version, completed in 1893, is a tempera and crayon on cardboard piece housed in the National Museum of Norway in Oslo. This version is notable for its vibrant colors and the inclusion of a vibrant, blood-red sky, which has become synonymous with the painting's emotional intensity. Munch's use of tempera and crayon in this iteration gives it a unique texture and depth, setting it apart from the other versions.
The second original Scream, created in 1895, is perhaps the most famous due to its pastel on board medium and its history of being stolen and recovered. This version resides in the Munch Museum, also in Oslo. The pastel medium allows for softer transitions between colors, giving the painting a haunting, ethereal quality. This particular Scream gained international notoriety in 1994 and 2004 when it was stolen, only to be recovered years later, adding to its mystique and cultural significance. Its fragility and the story of its theft have made it a symbol of both vulnerability and resilience in art.
The third original Scream, painted in 1910, is an oil, tempera, and pastel on cardboard work, also part of the Munch Museum's collection. This version is larger than the others and features a more muted color palette, reflecting Munch's evolving artistic style in his later years. The 1910 version is less intense than its predecessors but retains the same haunting figure and turbulent background, emphasizing the timelessness of the emotion it portrays. Its mixed media approach showcases Munch's experimentation and his commitment to revisiting and refining his most iconic work.
The fourth and final original Scream is a lithograph created in 1895, which exists in multiple impressions but is considered an original work in its own right. One notable impression is held by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Unlike the other versions, the lithograph is a black-and-white rendering, focusing on the stark contrast between light and shadow. This medium allows the raw emotion of the subject to take center stage, stripped of the color that often dominates discussions of the painting. The lithograph highlights Munch's skill as a printmaker and his ability to convey profound emotion through minimal means.
These four originals are distinguished by their mediums, dates of creation, and slight variations in composition, making each a unique interpretation of Munch's vision. While reproductions and copies exist worldwide, these four works are the only authenticated originals, cementing their status as invaluable contributions to art history. Their collective existence allows viewers to trace Munch's artistic evolution and his enduring exploration of anxiety, despair, and the human condition.
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Locations of Originals: Two in Oslo, one private, one stolen (recovered)
The original *Scream* paintings by Edvard Munch are among the most iconic and emotionally charged works in art history. There are four known original versions of *The Scream*, each created by Munch using different mediums, including oil, tempera, pastel, and crayon on cardboard. These versions are not mere replicas but unique interpretations of the same haunting motif. Understanding their locations is crucial for art enthusiasts and historians alike.
Two in Oslo: The majority of the original *Scream* paintings are housed in Oslo, Norway, the artist's homeland. The National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design in Oslo holds two versions of *The Scream*. The first is the 1893 tempera and crayon on cardboard version, which is part of Munch's *Frieze of Life* series. The second is the 1910 tempera on board version, created later in Munch's career. Both are displayed with great care, given their cultural and historical significance. These paintings are not only symbols of Norwegian art but also global treasures, attracting visitors from around the world.
One Private Collection: One of the original *Scream* paintings is held in a private collection, making it less accessible to the public. This version, the 1895 pastel on cardboard, was sold at auction in 2012 for a record-breaking $119.9 million, making it one of the most expensive artworks ever sold. Its current owner remains anonymous, and its location is undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to its existence. Despite its private ownership, this version is occasionally loaned to museums for special exhibitions, allowing the public rare glimpses of this masterpiece.
One Stolen (Recovered): The most dramatic story among the *Scream* paintings involves the 1910 version, which was stolen in 2004 from the Munch Museum in Oslo, along with another Munch work, *Madonna*. The theft was bold and brazen, occurring in broad daylight. However, in 2006, Norwegian police recovered both paintings, albeit slightly damaged. After restoration, this *Scream* version returned to the Munch Museum, where it remains securely displayed. The incident underscored the vulnerability of even the most protected artworks and led to enhanced security measures at museums worldwide.
In summary, the original *Scream* paintings are distributed across Oslo's public institutions, a private collection, and a recovered stolen piece. Two are safely exhibited in Oslo, one remains in private hands, and the fourth, after its harrowing theft and recovery, continues to captivate audiences at the Munch Museum. These locations highlight the enduring legacy of Munch's masterpiece and the efforts to preserve it for future generations.
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Techniques Used: Pastel, tempera, oil, and lithograph versions were created by Munch
Edvard Munch, the Norwegian artist behind *The Scream*, created multiple versions of this iconic work using various techniques, each contributing to the enduring legacy of the piece. Pastel was one of the mediums Munch employed, leveraging its soft, blendable qualities to capture the ethereal and emotional intensity of the scene. Pastels allowed Munch to achieve a delicate yet expressive texture, emphasizing the haunting atmosphere of the painting. This version, often considered one of the most famous, highlights the artist's ability to manipulate color and form to evoke profound emotional responses.
In addition to pastels, Munch also utilized tempera, a medium known for its quick-drying properties and matte finish. Tempera versions of *The Scream* exhibit a different visual quality compared to the pastel works, with more defined lines and a slightly flatter appearance. This technique allowed Munch to experiment with precision and detail, particularly in the depiction of the central figure and the swirling, turbulent sky. The tempera versions underscore Munch's versatility and his willingness to explore different artistic approaches to convey the same thematic elements.
Oil paint was another medium Munch employed to create versions of *The Scream*. Oil allowed for richer, more vibrant colors and a greater depth of texture, enabling Munch to build layers of paint to enhance the emotional and psychological impact of the work. The oil versions are often characterized by their luminosity and the way light interacts with the thickly applied paint, adding a dimensional quality that differs from the pastel and tempera renditions. This medium also permitted Munch to work on a larger scale, making the oil versions particularly striking in their presence.
Finally, Munch produced lithograph versions of *The Scream*, a printmaking technique that allowed for the creation of multiple copies while retaining the artist's original vision. Lithography enabled Munch to reach a broader audience, as prints could be distributed more widely than unique paintings. The lithograph versions maintain the essence of the original composition but with a distinct graphic quality, emphasizing bold lines and contrasts. This medium not only democratized access to Munch's work but also showcased his skill in adapting his artistic vision to different techniques.
Together, the pastel, tempera, oil, and lithograph versions of *The Scream* demonstrate Munch's mastery of diverse artistic mediums and his commitment to exploring the emotional and psychological themes central to the work. Each technique offers a unique interpretation of the iconic image, contributing to the richness and complexity of Munch's legacy. While there are four primary versions of *The Scream* created by Munch himself, the variety of techniques he employed ensures that each iteration stands as a distinct and powerful expression of his artistic genius.
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Theft Incidents: Two Scream paintings were stolen but later recovered
There are four original versions of Edvard Munch's iconic painting, "The Scream," each created with a combination of paint and pastel on cardboard. These versions are held in various prestigious institutions and private collections. The existence of multiple originals has contributed to the artwork's enduring fascination, but it has also made them targets for theft. Two notable theft incidents involving "The Scream" paintings have occurred, both of which ended with the successful recovery of the stolen artworks.
The first theft took place in 1994 at the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway. Armed thieves broke into the museum and stole one of the original "Scream" paintings, leaving behind a note that read, "Thanks for the poor security." The audacious heist shocked the art world and sparked an international manhunt. Norwegian police worked tirelessly to recover the painting, and their efforts paid off when the artwork was found undamaged three months later. The recovery was facilitated by a clever sting operation, where undercover officers posed as potential buyers, leading to the arrest of the perpetrators and the safe return of the painting to the National Gallery.
The second theft occurred in 2004 at the Munch Museum, also in Oslo. In a brazen daylight robbery, two masked gunmen stormed the museum, stealing both the 1910 tempera-on-board version of "The Scream" and Munch's "Madonna." This incident was particularly alarming due to the public nature of the crime and the simultaneous theft of two major works. The thieves escaped in a waiting car, leaving the art world in disbelief. However, after a two-year investigation, Norwegian police located the stolen paintings in 2006. The artworks were found in a private home, slightly damaged but largely intact. The recovery was a significant victory for law enforcement and the art community, ensuring that these cultural treasures remained accessible to the public.
Both theft incidents highlight the vulnerabilities of even the most secure institutions and the lengths to which criminals will go to steal high-profile artworks. The successful recovery of the "Scream" paintings in both cases is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and the international art community. These events also underscore the importance of robust security measures in protecting invaluable cultural heritage. Despite the risks, the existence of multiple original "Scream" paintings continues to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring their legacy endures.
The recovery of the stolen "Scream" paintings has allowed them to remain as symbols of human emotion and artistic expression. The 1994 and 2004 thefts, though alarming, ultimately reinforced the global appreciation for Munch's work. Today, the originals are displayed with heightened security, allowing visitors to experience their profound impact firsthand. These incidents serve as a reminder of the enduring value of art and the collective responsibility to safeguard it for future generations. As long as the "Scream" paintings are protected, their haunting imagery will continue to resonate with audiences, transcending time and adversity.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four original versions of *The Scream* created by Edvard Munch.
The original *Scream* paintings were created by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.
Two versions are in the National Museum and the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, one is in a private collection, and another was stolen but later recovered.
No, while they share the same composition, the four versions differ in medium, color palette, and minor details.
