The Scream

The Scream Edvard Munch 1895

New York City - Sotheby’s is honoured to announce that Edvard Munch’s masterpiece "The Scream" (pastel on board in artist's original frame, 31" x 22") will lead its Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale in New York on May 2, 2012.

The iconic work is one of the most instantly recognizable images in both art history and popular culture, perhaps second only to the Mona Lisa. This version of "The Scream" dates from 1895, and is one of four versions of the composition, and the only version still in private hands.

It will be on view in London for the first time ever, with the exhibition at Sotheby's opening on 13 April. In New York, and also for the first time ever, it will be on exhibition at Sotheby's in advance of the sale beginning 27 April. The work is owned by Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen, whose father Thomas was a friend, neighbour and patron of Munch. Possible sale estimate: $80 million US.

From Art Knowlege News

In a page in his diary headed Nice 22.01.1892, Munch described his inspiration for the image thus:

I was walking along a path with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.

From Wikipedia