Profile of the Day: Edvard Munch

On this day in 1863, Norwegian painter Edvard Munch was born in Løten, Norway. He is perhaps best known for his 1893 painting, The Scream, which is often considered one of the most recognizable works of art in modern history.

Image: Edvard Munch / National Library of Norway, Flickr

Munch was the second of five children born to Christian Munch and Laura Catherine Bjølstad. In 1868, his mother died of tuberculosis and a few years later, his sister died of the disease as well at the age of 15. Munch and his siblings were raised by their father and aunt. His father often entertained the children with vivid ghost stories and tales by Edgar Allan Poe. These early experiences would have a great influence on Munch’s work.

In 1893, Munch painted The Scream, which has become an iconic piece of modern art. He ultimately created four versions, two paintings and two pastels.

Munch died on January 23, 1944 at the age of 80. He continued to paint right up to his death in his home in Ekely, Norway. When he died, his remaining works were bequeathed to the city of Oslo and are now housed at the Munch Museum.

Explore Edvard Munch’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related to the Norwegian painter.

View Edvard Munch’s Geni Profile