Why did Edvard Munch’s 1892 Berlin exhibition cause controversy?

Edvard Munch’s 1892 exhibition in Berlin, held at the invitation of the Union of Berlin Artists, sparked a bitter controversy due to several key factors:

• Unconventional Imagery: Critics were outraged by the violent emotion and unconventional subject matter of his paintings, particularly their daringly frank representations of sexuality.1
• Innovative Technique: Many viewers and critics were offended by his artistic style, which utilized a flowing, tortuous use of line that appeared unfinished to contemporary eyes.1
• Psychological Focus: Unlike the decorative trends of the era, such as Art Nouveau, Munch used his technique as a vehicle for profound psychological revelation, which challenged the artistic norms of the time.1

Despite the scandal, the exhibition proved pivotal for his career, as the controversy helped make his name known throughout Germany and facilitated the spread of his reputation internationally.1