The Scream (Skrik)

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The "Scream" (in Norwegian, "Skrik"), painted by Edvard Munch in 1893, is one of the most famous works of art history. The artist made four versions of this painting.

Edvard Munch is also one of the engravers who are the most sought after. His Madonnas, Angst (anxiety) and Vampyrs were already the subject of an article in French in this group in May. Some among the best prints are valued around $ 1 million.

So, the presentation by Sotheby's in New York on October 31 of the "Scream" by Munch in a lithographic issue of 1895 is an event. The press release tells us that, out of 25 known examples, only three (including the example to be sold) are still in private hands. The picture is very close to the painting, but without colors.

I have not found a reference at auction for other copies of this work. Although black and white, its characteristics as an icon of art history and as a rarity can really make it reach the estimated price announced by the auction house, $ 2 million.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The result is the same as for the Utamaro of Christie's, described earlier in this group: too expensive to be sold.

The two major auction groups are clearly trying to push prices on the most prestigious and rarest prints, but at the level they expect buyers do not follow. Or not yet ... A market to monitor, despite some failures.