WHAT?  Edvard Munch Portraits 

WHERE?  National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London WC2H OHE 

WHEN?  Now until 15th June 

WHY GO?  To meet new friends.  They say mortality haunted Munch’s work, certainly, The Scream is as morbid as it gets, but there was a jollier side to the great Norwegian artist as this new portrait exhibition reveals.

It focuses on Munch’s family and friends casting new light over the artist generally recognised as having a ‘personality disorder’.

Indeed, as his fame rapidly grew, Munch became more emotionally withdrawn and collapsed in 1908 and ended up painting his doctor Daniel Jacobson in fiery glory indicating his gratitude at having achieved equilibrium.  It is one of the finest paintings in this show of some 45 exhibits on loan, many from private collectors.

It seems hardly surprising that Munch acquired such a reputation as the curator's deliciously candid captions reveal how dysfunctional his family were.  Munch’s  beloved brother died of pneumonia just as he was due to become a father and his sister was hospitalised with schizophrenia for starters. 

The brushwork of his portraits indicate a lot about his relationships with friends.  There’s the controversial anarchist Hans Jaeger, painted heavily in a dark sombre mood and a light intimate sketch of composer Frederick Delius tenderly drawn.

This is a virtual ‘who’s who’ of notable 20th century figures who supported Munch’s work from creative bohemians to pillars of the establishment. 

Strangely there are few images of the women in his life.  Munch never married, preferring his female friends as models and these portraits are amongst the most poignant.

IN THE KNOW  Inspired by Munch? Learn how to master the art of portraiture for beginners at a weekend workshop with artist Charlie Schaffer.  Dabble in oils to create your own Munch style work of art; all materials are provided and no experience is necessary.   

Schaffer won first prize in the National Portrait Gallery Portrait Prize 2019