A new exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery is shining a light on Edvard Munch’s mastery of portraiture, revealing a deeper side to the artist best known for The Scream.

Running from March 13 to June 15, Edvard Munch Portraits showcases over 40 works, including depictions of the artist himself, his family, friends, collectors, and commissioned pieces.

Portraiture was central to Munch’s artistic practice, serving as more than just visual representations of his subjects. He sought to go beyond mere appearances, delving into the psychology and emotions of those he painted. "Munch always wanted to get beyond surface appearance to probe the inner psychology or motivations of an individual," an exhibition curator explains. "He spoke of going behind the mask to expose the naked soul." His portraits, therefore, function both as snapshots of a moment in time and as profound explorations of the human psyche.

The exhibition marks the first dedicated showcase of Munch’s portraiture in Britain, featuring several works never before seen in the country. Among them are notable pieces such as his portraits of physicist Felix Auerbach and lawyer Thor Lutken. In the latter, painted in 1892, Munch subtly incorporates an intimate detail—a tiny couple embracing in a moonlit landscape on Lutken’s sleeve—demonstrating his ability to infuse deeper meaning into his compositions.

The exhibition traces Munch’s evolution as a portraitist, beginning with early family portraits before moving through depictions of writers, fellow artists, and the patrons who supported his career. While many associate Munch with the anguish of The Scream, this exhibition aims to present a fuller picture of the artist. "I hope visitors will come away realizing there's so much more to Munch than just The Scream," the curator adds. "He was a complex, affectionate, and deeply engaged individual, capable of forging long-lasting friendships."

Munch, who passed away in 1944 at the age of 80, left behind a vast and diverse body of work. This London exhibition offers a rare chance to explore a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of his artistic legacy. Photo: Nasjonalmuseet/Børre Høstland.