Born in Norway in 1863, Edvard Munch began painting in Christiane (now Oslo). After studying briefly in Paris, he spent the next 20 years working chiefly in Paris and Berlin. At first influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, such events as the tuberculosis deaths of both his mother and sister left a profound effect on his paintings. His anguished paintings based on personal grief and obsessions were instrumental in the development of Expressionism. The Scream was painted after he and his friends were walking as the sun was setting. ìI stood there trembling with fear. And I sensed a great infinite scream pass through nature.î