Understanding Expressionism: The Scream by Edvard Munch
Expressionism: A Societal Reflection
Expressionism emerged as a powerful artistic movement during times of societal crisis. This analysis focuses on the broad trend of expressionism in Nordic countries, particularly Scandinavia, Germany, and Austria, from the late 19th century to the early 1930s.
Die Brücke: Pioneers of German Expressionism
Key to this movement was the German expressionist group Die Brücke (The Bridge), formed in 1905. They were socially combative, employing violent and arbitrary colors, prioritizing content over aesthetic perfection. Influenced by African and Oceanic primitive art, they simplified and schematized forms to express inner emotions directly. This approach, in contrast to impressionism, projected feelings from within. Influences beyond Toulouse-Lautrec, Gauguin, and post-impressionists, particularly Van Gogh, are evident.
Interpretation: Content and Inner Meaning in Munch’s Work
Munch aimed to reflect the deepest aspects of the human soul in his art. The Scream embodies the artist’s inner world, connecting with the loneliness of modern human culture. His life was marked by suffering and death from a young age. The inlet with sails and the bridge indicate that the scene is set in Nordstrand. Besides the version at the National Gallery in Oslo, approximately 50 copies exist.
The Role of The Scream
The existence of around 50 copies of The Scream suggests an obsession, reflecting Munch’s individual world filled with anguish and suffering.
General Documentation
- Title: The Scream
- Author: Edvard Munch
- Timeline: 1893
- Style: Expressionism
- Technique: Oil and tempera
- Support: Cardboard (91 cm x 73.5 cm)
- Current Location: Nasjonalgalleriet in Oslo (approximately 50 copies exist)
Formal Analysis: Visual Elements
The Scream is an oil and tempera painting on cardboard, notable for its contrasting color ranges: cold (blue, purple) and warm (red, yellow, orange). These colors counteract the blue sea and the port city. The brushwork is free and loose, with figures treated minimally to enhance emotional expression. Broad, quick brushstrokes are used. The light is unreal, almost comic-like. Dimensional space is suggested by the railing. Overall, the painting possesses great expressiveness.
Composition
The composition features two distinct zones, with the central figure balanced by two other figures. The railing emphasizes separation, dividing the scene into an area with people (dominated by straight lines) and an area beyond the rail (characterized by curves and movement). The figure seems more integrated with the force of nature than with the constructive elements of man. It is thought to be inspired by a mummy Munch saw in the Musée de l’Homme in Paris, influencing the theme but not the figure itself. The pace is divided into two distinct forms:
- Lower left: Predominance of straight lines.
- Top: Predominance of curved lines, with the figure more integrated with nature.
Style and Influences
Munch’s style is both personal and representative of expressionism. It can be argued that expressionism has always existed throughout art history, with emotions dominating formal aspects, as seen in the works of Goya.