Edvard Munch - Close-up of a Genius

In 1944 Rolf E. Stenersen wrote a biography of the world-renowned painter Edvard Munch, which became an instant cllassic. This well-written book has now at last been published in a new, richly illustrated edition. The presentation in Edvard Munch - Close-up of a Genuis is built upon the author's close observations during his acquaintanceship with the artist over many years.In his animated descriptions of encounters with Munch, Stenersen displays his well-developed sense of absurd situations and gallows humor. The author describes episodes from his longstanding relationship with the artist genius in direct spreech, so that we can hear Munch describe his pictures, his art and other day-to-day problems at Ekely in his own words. About the painter, Stenersen writes, "To get close to Edvard Munch it is necessary to follow him from painting to painting."

The reader can now study at leisure the works of art, which the author describes with such enthusiasm. The rich assortment of reproductions have been selected by art historian Hans-Martin F. Flaatten, whohas also written the illustration captions which elaborateon and supplement Stenersen's views and interpretations of the motifs. This visual aspect of the book opens up a whole new approach to the biography's fascinating presentation of Munch's life and art. Edvard Munch - Close-up of a Genius represents a totally new introduction to the lifework of the famous painter, and will thus be an invaluable and timely guide for those who wish to rediscover his art in connection with the 150th anniversary of Munch's birth in 2013.