Edvard Munch (1863-1944)

Born in Norway in 1863, Munch suffered greatly in his youth from the deaths of his mother and sister. He arrived in Paris in 1885, where he was particularly inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Munch struggled with his own religious beliefs, wanting to depict creatures that breathe, feel, love, and suffer, as exemplified by his “Scream.” In that painting, the figure is so threatened that he screams under a raging sky, with red and green clouds swirling over the bridge, expressing a profound psychological impact! Munch remained in Germany, where his exhibitions inspired the Expressionists there.

Invited to join the “Van Gogh Art Club,” Munch brought three paintings to the studio, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of northern Norway. These are *Dance of Life* (1898/99), *Girls on the Pier* (1903/04), and *The Rich* (1894/95).