A collection of paintings by Edvard Munch are on display together for the first time in the UK in a new exhibition at The Courtauld.
The Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Edvard Munch. Masterpieces from Bergen showcases 18 seminal works by Munch on loan from KODE Art Museums in Bergen, Norway – home to one of the most important Munch collections in the world.
Seen together for the first time outside of Scandinavia, the collection presents an overview of Munch’s development as an artist, from the early breakthrough pictures of the 1880s which launched his career, through to the expressive and psychologically charged works of the 1890s for which he became known.
The remarkable collection was formed at the beginning of the 20th century by Norwegian industrialist and philanthropist Rasmus Meyer (1858-1916). An early champion of Munch’s work, Meyer knew the artist personally. The collection was gifted to the city of Bergen in 1916 after his death, and has been housed since 1924 in a purpose-built gallery in the heart of Bergen.
Dr. Barnaby Wright, curator of the exhibition said:
“This is an unprecedented opportunity to see the major works from one of the world’s great collections of paintings by Edvard Munch. Remarkable paintings from the famous ‘Frieze of Life’ series will undoubtedly be highlights, but I think visitors will also find Munch’s seminal early paintings extraordinary, if less familiar.”
“Munch is one of the most influential artists of the modern period and is still a touchstone for leading artists today. He was in turn influenced by the major Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists represented in The Courtauld Gallery’s iconic collection. The Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Edvard Munch. Masterpieces from Bergen represents a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see Munch’s work within the context of these famous artists who were so important to him in his formative years.”
The Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Edvard Munch. Masterpieces from Bergen is showing at the Courtauld Gallery 27th May – 4th September 2022
