Edvard Munch (December 12, 1863–January 23, 1944) was a Norwegian painter. His best-known work, The Scream, is one of the iconic images of contemporary art.

His childhood was overshadowed by illness, the pain of losing family members, and fear of inheriting his family's mental illness. While studying at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania (now Oslo), Munch began living a bohemian life under the influence of the nihilist Hans Jæger, who urged him to depict his emotions and psychological state. This gave rise to his distinctive style.

Travel brought new influences and avenues for his work. In Paris, he learned a great deal from Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, especially from their use of color. In Berlin, he met the Swedish playwright August Strindberg and created his major work The Frieze of Life, depicting a series of themes involving profound emotions, such as love, anxiety, jealousy, and betrayal.

As his fame and wealth grew, he remained emotionally insecure. He briefly considered marriage but could not commit. A breakdown in 1908 forced him to give up heavy drinking. He became increasingly accepted in Christiania, and his work began to gain a foothold in local museums. He spent his later years working quietly and privately. Although his work was banned in Nazi Germany, most of it survived World War II, leaving a legacy behind.