While Munch achieved an international reputation for his works of art, Sohlberg has remained Norway's secret. A recent exhibition of both artists' works at the National Academy of Design seeks to change this precedent. Chief curator Bjerke has gathered biographical and technical information on both symbolists to form an accompanying catalog of their works. The first third of the text is devoted to Munch. In it, the author explores the home life that gave rise to Munch's detached psyche, which, in turn, helped Munch create his disturbing works. Although his well-known creations (e.g., "The Scream") are discussed, the author does not attempt to narrowly categorize Munch through these works. Although both artists approached symbolism differently, the author focuses on the landscape symbolism. This premise, however, seems to apply best to Sohlberg because the scenery rather than the human figures within it was most important to him. -- amazon.com
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