The characteristics of tension-provoking composition and lines--as represented in Munch's paintings.

Abstract

The way in which the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch conveyed the feeling of tension and anxiety to the viewer is analyzed, taking into account composition, form and characteristics of lines. This is in contradiction to the conventional way of content analysis. It is suggested that such an analysis may contribute to a better understanding of the way in which professional artists as well as emotionally disturbed patients express their emotions and convey them to the viewer. This may probably be used as an additional means for better evaluation of emotions in paintings.