Edvard Munch: The Scream (1893) | Norwegian Art Poster

An art poster featuring Edvard Munch’s painted version of The Scream from 1893. The blood-red sky, restless fjord and confronting figure turn a moment of anxiety into one of modern art’s most recognisable images.

Printed locally on heavyweight matte paper, as close to you as possible. Typical delivery time: 2–5 business days.

• The original painted version of Munch’s iconic motif
• Created in Berlin in 1893
• Landscape based on the view from Ekeberg over the Kristianiafjord
• A pivotal work between Symbolism and Expressionism
• Printed on 200 gsm premium matte paper
• Available in four sizes
• Frame not included

A scream passing through nature

A pale figure stands on a road or bridge, pressing both hands against its head. Two people continue walking in the distance, apparently unaware of what is happening behind them. The fjord, sky and landscape bend around the central figure in long, vibrating lines.

The figure is often described as screaming. Munch’s own text suggests another reading: the figure hears or senses a scream moving through the surrounding landscape.

“I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.”

The walk above the Kristianiafjord

Munch first described the experience in a diary entry written in Nice in January 1892. He recalled walking with two friends when the setting sun turned the sky blood red. The city and fjord below appeared blue-black, while he remained behind trembling with anxiety.

The landscape in the painting can be recognised as the Kristianiafjord, now the Oslofjord, viewed from Ekeberg. Munch transformed the real location into an emotional landscape shaped by the figure’s inner state.

From Despair to The Scream

The composition developed from Munch’s 1892 painting Sick Mood at Sunset. Despair. The road, railing, distant figures and fiery sky were already present, but the foreground figure was still recognisably male and shown in profile.

In The Scream, Munch turned the figure towards the viewer and simplified its face until age and gender became difficult to determine. The result is immediate and confrontational.

Several versions of the motif

Two painted versions of The Scream exist. The National Museum’s version was created in 1893, while the version at MUNCH is generally dated no earlier than 1910.

Munch also made two pastel versions, dated 1893 and 1895, and a black-and-white lithograph in 1895. The different versions helped spread the motif long before it became a worldwide cultural icon.

“Can only have been painted by a madman”

A faint pencil inscription in the upper-left corner reads: “Can only have been painted by a madman!” For many years, scholars debated whether a hostile visitor had written it.

Infrared photography and handwriting analysis have since confirmed that Munch added the words himself. They may have been a response to public criticism and comments about his mental state.

A painting stolen and recovered

The collector Olaf Schou bought the painting and immediately gave it to the National Gallery in 1910. It remained a central work in the Norwegian national collection.

In February 1994, thieves stole it from the National Gallery during the opening weekend of the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. Norwegian authorities recovered the painting later that year.

About Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch was born in Løten in 1863 and became a key figure in the development of modern European art. He used colour, line and simplified forms to give visible shape to anxiety, desire, grief and loneliness.

The Scream belongs to The Frieze of Life, Munch’s long-running cycle about human relationships and emotional experience. Explore the related motif Madonna.

Artwork details

Available sizes

An icon of modern art for your wall

The fiery sky, dark blue fjord and strong diagonal perspective give the poster an intense presence. It works as a focal point in a living room, hallway or study and pairs naturally with black, oak or dark wooden frames.

Discover more works in our Norwegian art collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the original version of The Scream?

This poster reproduces the 1893 painting in The National Museum. It is considered the first painted version of the motif.

Is the figure actually screaming?

Munch’s text describes a scream passing through nature. The figure appears to cover its ears while experiencing the sound or sensation.

Where does the landscape come from?

The setting is based on the view from Ekeberg over the Kristianiafjord, now called the Oslofjord.

How many versions did Munch create?

There are two paintings, two pastel versions and a lithographic version, along with preparatory sketches.

What paper is the poster printed on?

It is printed on heavyweight 200 gsm quality paper with a matte, non-reflective surface.

Is a frame included?

No. The frame is not included, allowing you to choose one that suits the poster and your interior.