Thursday, November 2, 2006

The Scream Returns

Shame on me for not knowing this sooner!  It seems that both versions of Edvard Munch's greatest work, "The Scream", have been returned, intact but for a small pull in the canvas of the darker version most of us know.  This is such great news!  I could never comprehend why anyone would steal a well-known priceless work of art execpt perhaps for ransom.  I don't think the local pawn shop would be interested.

Munch has always been one of my favorite fellows, not only for his talent but for being able to survive a most hideous early life.  Until his early death, Edvard's father raised the Munch children with such fierce paranoia and rage it frightened some of them into mental illness.  Edvard first looses his mother to TB, then his most beloved older sister, then his father died young, then he looses a brother, followed by his two remaining sisters.  Many feel he was a victim of bipolarism.  But he poured his demons into each canvas, painting several versions of the same piece.  His figures were more symbolic than impressionistic, and indeed they seem stifled yet overflowing with emotional energy.  I admire him much for the same reasons I admire Beethoven, these men of genius both dealt a cruel affliction in life.  It's what they did with those lives regardless that inspires me. 

"From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity."    Edvard Munch  1864-1944   

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love his work also but don't know anything about art. Just what I like.  What an interesting story.  Thanks for sharing.
Barb  

Anonymous said...

Yes, His life story is interesting and tragic - makes for great art. I find The Scream one of the most frightening painted images there is.
Kate.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/bobandkate/AnAnalysisofLife/

Anonymous said...

I love Arts... but I would not want this painting at all - I don't even recognise it as Art, at all. For the ransom, certainly, not on my walls, no way.
Very interesting entry... I have always wanted deep down to know more about Arts. Thank you.
Valerie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/iiimagicxx/surreality/

Anonymous said...

I love that painting.
Another artist I am truly fascinated by is van Gogh.
Penny

Anonymous said...

That is a fascinating observation you make about creativity and personal challenges.  ... I love the Munch quote.
Patrick

Anonymous said...

(((((((((((((((((LUDIE))))))))))))))))))))Wow,thanks for sharing,it was very intresting to read.Have a good week.

Anonymous said...

just to show I like you and like what you do   Jim  xx

Anonymous said...

just to show I like you and like what you do   Jim  xx

Anonymous said...

just to show I like you and like what you do   Jim  xx