Born in Løten, Norway, Edvard Munch grew up in an environment marked by grief and illness. The premature loss of his mother and sister, as well as his father's mental fragility, profoundly influenced his work. These experiences fueled an interest in themes of mortality, suffering, and lost love, which would become central to his work.

Munch studied at the Royal School of Art in Christiania (now Oslo) and immersed himself in the avant-garde art circles of the time. His early works, influenced by Realism and Impressionism, quickly evolved into a more personal and symbolic style. In 1892, he exhibited in Berlin, where his bold style provoked controversy but also attracted the attention of a European public.

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Munch's most famous work, The Scream, is a visceral expression of existential angst. Depicting a tormented figure on a bridge, surrounded by a swirling sky and vibrant colors, this painting captures a universal emotion. Munch created several versions of this work, using different techniques, including paint and lithography. One of these was sold at auction in 2012 for nearly $120 million, making The Scream one of the most expensive works of art ever sold.

In addition to The Scream, Munch is known for a series of works he calls The Cycle of Life. This series explores the themes of love, jealousy, illness, and death, with paintings such as Madonna (1894-1895), The Vampire (1893-1894), and The Dance of Life (1899-1900). These works demonstrate his interest in the psychological and emotional aspects of human existence, often expressed through bold compositions and intense colors.