Two Human Beings, The Lonely Ones

1892

The Berlin Circle: Strindberg and Przybyszewski

He immersed himself in the life of Berlin's artistic "underground," growing close to August Strindberg, Stanisław Przybyszewski, and Dagny Juel, who became his muse.

November 1892

"The Munch Affair": Scandal in Berlin

At the invitation of Adelsteen Normann he exhibited at the Union of Berlin Artists; the show provoked fierce controversy and was closed within a week. The conflict led to a split in the Union and the formation of the Berlin Secession.

December 1893

The "Love" Exhibition: Beginning of "The Frieze of Life"

At an exhibition on Unter den Linden he showed, among other works, six paintings under the title "Studies for a Series: Love" — the beginning of the cycle later named "The Frieze of Life — a Poem about Life, Love and Death."

1896

Meetings with Gauguin and the Symbolists in Paris

During an important stay in Paris he met Gauguin, Émile Bernard, Maurice Denis, and Symbolist poets, notably Mallarmé. At this time he turned to etching, woodcut, and lithography.

May 1896

Exhibition at the Maison de l'Art Nouveau

Siegfried Bing showed 60 of Munch's works, including "The Kiss," "The Scream," "Madonna," and "The Sick Child." The exhibition introduced the French public to the artist's work.

1898

Beginning of the Affair with Tulla Larsen

An affair began with Tulla (Mathilde) Larsen, a wealthy young Norwegian woman. Initially warm, the relationship in time began to weigh on Munch because of Tulla's ardor and possessiveness.