The Scream (1893) facts for kids
The Scream is a very famous painting created by the artist Edvard Munch. It is a great example of modern art, which means it was made in a style that was new and different for its time.
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The Scream Painting
The painting shows a creature that looks like a person, but it's not real. It has its mouth and eyes wide open, and it seems to be screaming loudly because it feels very scared. The background of the painting has swirling, fiery colors that make the scene feel even more intense.
What Does The Scream Show?
The main figure in the painting is often seen as a symbol of human worry and fear. It stands on a bridge, and behind it, two other figures walk calmly, not seeming to notice the screaming figure. This contrast makes the main figure's emotion stand out even more. The wavy lines and strong colors in the sky and landscape add to the feeling of unease.
How Did Munch Get the Idea?
Edvard Munch got the idea for this powerful painting during a walk with his friends. It was sunset, and the sky turned a deep, fiery red, almost like the color of blood. Munch felt a strong, strange feeling, as if he heard a loud, endless scream coming from nature itself. This feeling inspired him to create the painting we see today.
How Was The Scream Made?
Munch used several different art materials to create this painting. He used oil, tempera, and pastel colors on a piece of cardboard. The painting is about 91 centimeters tall and 73.5 centimeters wide (which is about 35.8 inches by 29 inches). Today, you can see this famous artwork at the Nasjonalgalleriet (National Gallery) in Oslo, Norway.
Different Versions of The Scream
Did you know there isn't just one "Scream" painting? Between the years 1893 and 1910, Edvard Munch actually created four different versions of "The Scream." Three of these paintings are kept in museums in Norway, so many people can see them. The fourth version is owned by a private collector. Each version is slightly different, but they all show the same powerful image.
A Famous Painting's Journey
Because "The Scream" is so famous and valuable, it has had an interesting journey. In 1994, one of the versions was taken from the Norwegian National Gallery. Luckily, after only three months, the painting was found and returned safely. This shows how important and cherished this artwork is around the world. Today, the painting is valued at around $55 million.
