Edvard Munch's 'Frieze of Life' and the Berlin Secession
In 1902, Edvard Munch consolidated his diverse body of artwork into an influential series known as 'The Frieze of Life,' which delves into themes of love, fear, and mortality. This initiative followed a contentious exhibition in Berlin in 1892 at the Architektenhaus, which was abruptly closed by the local artists’ association after a tight vote. This event spurred a group of young artists to establish the Berlin Secession. Munch’s collection categorized his works into four main themes, including 'Anxiety' and 'Death,' and featured iconic pieces such as 'The Scream' and 'The Kiss,' significantly shaping the Symbolist and Expressionist movements.
Key facts
- 1902: Munch's scattered paintings became 'The Frieze of Life' cycle.
- 1892 Berlin exhibition at Architektenhaus closed by Verein after 120-105 vote.
- Younger artists formed the Berlin Secession in response.
- Max Liebermann gave the 1902 exhibition its title.
- Cycle divided into: Seeds of Love, Flowering and Passing of Love, Anxiety, Death.
- Munch's affair with Millie Thaulow heavily influenced the works.
- Deaths of mother, sister Sophie, and father shaped the Death section.
- Sue Prideaux's biography 'Edvard Munch: Behind the Scream' provides key insights.
Entities
Artists
- Edvard Munch
- Max Liebermann
- Max Marschalk
- Millie Thaulow
- Helge Rode
- Sue Prideaux
- Magne Bruteig
- Maite Van Dijk
Institutions
- Verein (Association of Berlin Artists)
- Berlin Secession
- Munch Museum
- National Museum of Norway
- Kode Art Museums and Composer Homes
- Bergen Kunstmuseum
- National Gallery Prague
- Yale University Press
- DailyArt Magazine
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Paris
- France
- Oslo
- Norway
- Saint-Cloud
- Prague
- Czech Republic
- Bergen