Edvard Munch: Between the Clock and the Bed

This captivating book, now out-of-print, offers a fresh perspective on the extraordinary artworks of Edvard Munch (1863 – 1944) by examining them in the context of his fragile mental state. Following a nervous breakdown in 1908, Munch underwent electroshock therapy, which significantly influenced his artistic expression. The poignant Self-Portrait Between the Clock and the Bed, completed one year prior to his death, encapsulates the recurring themes of mortality, isolation, and anxiety that he tirelessly explored. This masterpiece serves as a perfect lens through which to contemplate Munch's entire body of work.

Informative essays delve into Munch's position in the art world, his use of self-portraiture as a medium for experimentation, and the psychological depth of his paintings. Additionally, a previously unpublished foreword by the celebrated Norwegian novelist Karl Ove Knausgaard offers a fresh perspective on Munch's life and artistic contributions. Featuring over 40 masterpieces spanning Munch's career, accompanied by an illustrated chronology mapping the progression of his emotional state and its impact on his artistic output, this intimate and thought-provoking study delves into the enigmatic artist's remarkable legacy.

Edited by Gary Garrels, Jon-Ove Steihaug, and Sheena Wagstaff, and featuring essays by Patricia G. Berman, Allison Morehead, Richard Shiff, and Mille Stein, this book presents an engaging exploration of Munch's artistry and enduring impact.