The “Edvard Munch Portraits” exhibition opens in London, showcasing 45 significant works by the artist, highlighting his social life and connections beyond his famous painting “The Scream.” Curator Alison Smith explains its themes of psychology and social connection, with several pieces making their UK debut.
A new exhibition titled “Edvard Munch Portraits” is taking place at London’s National Portrait Gallery from March 13 to June 15. Featuring around 45 works, it highlights a significant yet often overlooked aspect of Munch’s life as a painter, showcasing portraits of himself, family, friends, and patrons.
Curator Alison Smith emphasised that Munch was more sociable than his well-known depiction as a solitary figure in “The Scream.” She noted, “It takes us beyond Munch as the painter of existential isolation and loneliness.” Munch’s connections with artistic circles and influential figures in law, business, and medicine were influential in his life, particularly as he faced mental and physical health challenges.
This exhibition is the first in Britain aimed specifically at Munch’s portraits, with many pieces, including the 1892 painting of Thor Lutken, being displayed for the first time. Smith described the Lutken portrait as having a “monochromatic” quality that transitions into a serene blue-black landscape with figures, offering depth beyond mere representation.
The exhibition spans Munch’s career, featuring early family portraits, fellow artists, and patrons. Over his lifetime, Munch created hundreds of portraits, integral to his artistic practice. According to Smith, “the portraits work on two fronts” as both representations of sitters and insights into their inner lives.
The “Edvard Munch Portraits” exhibition redefines the perception of Munch as merely a painter of isolation by revealing his social connections and emotional depth. This showcase highlights the importance of portraits in understanding the psychology of individuals, making it a significant event in art history.
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