The Scream 1895

Edvard Munch created "The Scream" using crayon and pastel on cardboard, materials that allowed him a unique immediacy and raw expression. Unlike traditional oil painting with its emphasis on blending and realism, the chalky texture of pastel gives the artwork a sense of urgency. Notice how the bold, linear strokes of color, particularly in the sky, convey a feeling of anxiety and turmoil. The cardboard support also plays a role, its humble nature contrasting with the profound emotion depicted, almost as if the scream could erupt from any surface, cheap or otherwise. Munch’s use of these accessible materials democratized the making of art, suggesting that powerful emotions can be expressed through simple means, rather than relying on the established techniques of the time. The medium enhances the message, making the artwork so evocative. Ultimately, “The Scream” demonstrates how materials and methods can amplify the emotional resonance of art.