Expressionist picture "Girl group on a bridge" (1902) by Edvard Munch, Limit. reproduction

The Norwegian painter and printmaker Edvard Munch is considered one of the most important pioneers of Expressionism. His works address the great human tragedies between Eros and death, confronting existential emotions such as fear, despair, and love without reservation. The famous painting "The Scream" in particular embodies this somber mood and reflects Munch's own biographical losses and struggles with depression. With his innovative visual language, in which he depicts motifs in a peculiarly deformed way and employs a dynamic painting style with vibrant colors, he created powerful emotions on the canvas. Munch's influence is undeniable; nevertheless, his iconic work was stolen in a spectacular art heist in the summer of 2004 and was not recovered until 2006. Due to damage, it has not been exhibited since.