Pastels, as an artistic medium, present a fascinating blend of simplicity and profound expressive capability. At their core, a pastel is essentially a stick composed of finely ground powdered pigment held together by a minimal amount of binder. This binder is carefully chosen for its neutral hue and low saturation, ensuring it does not interfere with the natural brilliance of the pigments. Indeed, the pigments themselves are often identical to those found in other revered art forms, such as oil paints, but it's their dry application in pastel that sets them apart. This unique composition allows pastels to deliver a color effect remarkably close to that of the raw, dry pigment itself, yielding a luminosity and velvety texture that few other mediums can replicate.

The Rich History and Enduring Appeal of Pastels

While often perceived as a delicate or less formal medium, pastels boast a long and distinguished history within the art world. Artists have harnessed their expressive potential since the Renaissance, with their popularity truly soaring in the 18th century. During this period, pastels became the primary medium for a significant number of notable artists across Europe. Masters like Rosalba Carriera in Italy and Maurice Quentin de La Tour in France, for instance, created breathtaking portraits and allegorical works that captured the delicate nuances of skin tones and fabrics, demonstrating the medium's sophisticated versatility.

An artwork created with pastels is commonly referred to simply as a "pastel," though terms like "pastel drawing" or "pastel painting" are also widely used. When used as a verb, "to pastel" signifies the act of creating an artwork using this medium. Interestingly, the word "pastel" also functions as an adjective in common language, describing colors that are pale, soft, or muted, a direct nod to the delicate hues often associated with the medium.

Edvard Munch's "The Scream": An Icon of Modern Anxiety

Moving from the general to a specific, highly influential application of art, we encounter Edvard Munch's "The Scream" (Norwegian: Skrik, German: Der Schrei der Natur). This powerful composition, first created in 1893 by the Norwegian Symbolist painter, has transcended its artistic origins to become one of the most universally recognized and poignant images in human culture. The agonized, almost skeletal face depicted in the artwork, with its hands pressed against its cheeks, has come to symbolize the profound anxiety and existential angst of the human condition in the modern era.

The Genesis of a Masterpiece and its Influences

Munch's personal account of the inspiration behind "The Scream" is as vivid as the artwork itself. He recounted being out for a walk at sunset, likely near a fjord overlooking Oslo, when the sky dramatically transformed. The setting sun's light turned the clouds "a blood red," and he experienced a profound sensory and emotional overload, sensing "an infinite scream passing through nature." This deeply personal and almost synesthetic experience laid the groundwork for the iconic image.

Scholars have explored various explanations for the unnaturally vibrant, almost orange-red sky Munch described. Beyond his psychological state, theories range from the dramatic atmospheric effects caused by the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa – which famously produced unusually vivid sunsets around the globe for years – to Munch's own intense emotional reaction to the commitment of his sister, Laura, to a nearby lunatic asylum. These interpretations highlight the complex interplay of external phenomena and internal turmoil that often fueled Munch's art.

"The Scream" and Munch's broader body of work were profoundly influential, serving as a formative catalyst for the Expressionist movement, particularly in Germany. Expressionism sought to depict subjective emotions and responses rather than objective reality, making Munch's raw, emotive style a perfect precursor.

Versions and Valuation

Munch created several iterations of "The Scream," a practice common for him as he explored recurring themes. There are four primary versions: two executed in paint (oil, tempera, or crayon on cardboard) and two in pastels (pastel on cardboard). Additionally, he produced a lithograph stone, from which numerous prints were made, further disseminating the powerful image. The distinct media each lend a slightly different character to the composition, with the pastel versions often praised for their immediate, visceral quality.

The enduring power and value of "The Scream" are underscored by significant historical events. Both painted versions have, at different times, been stolen, only to be thankfully recovered after extensive efforts. Furthermore, one of the pastel versions achieved global prominence when it was sold at public auction in 2012 for a price nearing $120 million, setting a then-record as the fourth highest nominal price ever paid for an artwork at auction. This transaction solidified its status not just as an artistic masterpiece but also as an object of immense cultural and financial significance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pastels and "The Scream"

What exactly are pastels made of?

Pastels are an art medium in stick form, primarily composed of powdered pigment. A small amount of neutral-hued, low-saturation binder holds these pigments together, allowing for their dry application.

How do pastels differ from other art mediums?

While pastels use pigments similar to those in oil paints, their unique dry application and minimal binder allow for a color effect that is closer to pure, natural dry pigments. This often results in a distinct luminosity, vibrant color saturation, and a velvety texture unlike paints or watercolors.

When did pastels become popular?

Pastels have been used since the Renaissance, but they gained considerable popularity in the 18th century, becoming a primary medium for many renowned artists, especially for portraiture.

Are there different types of pastels?

Yes, there are several types, including soft pastels (known for their rich pigment and blendability), hard pastels (firmer, good for detailed work), pastel pencils (for precision), and oil pastels (which have an oil/wax binder and offer a different, painterly effect).

Who created "The Scream"?

"The Scream" was created by the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, with the first version appearing in 1893.

What is the main symbolism behind "The Scream"?

The artwork's agonized figure and dramatic landscape are widely interpreted as symbolizing the profound anxiety, despair, and existential angst of the human condition, reflecting Munch's own inner turmoil and broader societal unease.

What inspired Edvard Munch to create "The Scream"?

Munch himself recounted an experience during a sunset walk where the sky turned "blood red," and he felt "an infinite scream passing through nature." Scholars also suggest influences from a volcanic eruption (Krakatoa) affecting sunsets and Munch's personal psychological struggles, including his sister's institutionalization.

How many versions of "The Scream" exist?

There are four main versions of "The Scream": two painted versions (oil, tempera, or crayon on cardboard) and two pastel versions (pastel on cardboard). Additionally, Munch created a lithograph stone from which several prints were made.

Have any versions of "The Scream" ever been stolen?

Yes, both of the painted versions of "The Scream" have been stolen in separate incidents, but thankfully, both were eventually recovered.