Who stole the scream in 1994? This question has intrigued art enthusiasts and collectors alike for decades. The theft of Edvard Munch’s iconic painting, “The Scream,” from the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, on August 22, 1994, remains one of the most famous art thefts in history. The painting, which is considered one of the most important works of modern art, was stolen during a period when art thefts were on the rise, leading to a massive investigation and international search for the missing masterpiece.
The Scream, created in 1893, is a haunting depiction of a figure in the midst of a scream, set against a swirling, almost surreal landscape. It is one of four versions of the painting, with the other three also being stolen at different times. The Oslo version, which was stolen in 1994, was valued at approximately $1 million at the time of the theft. The theft was a significant loss for Norway and the art world, as the painting is a national treasure and a symbol of Norwegian culture.
The Munch Museum, which houses the painting, was targeted because of its perceived vulnerability. The museum had been burglarized before, and it was believed that the thieves had inside knowledge of the security system. The thieves managed to bypass the alarm and make off with the painting in broad daylight. The theft was swift and well-planned, leaving no trace behind.
The investigation into the theft was extensive and involved law enforcement agencies from around the world. The Norwegian police, along with Interpol, launched a massive manhunt for the painting. Despite the efforts, the painting remained missing for several years. It was not until 1995 that a break in the case occurred when a Norwegian businessman, Vebjørn Schmidtt, claimed to have found the painting in a storage facility in a rural area of Norway. However, the painting was found to be a forgery, and the real “The Scream” remained missing.
The mystery of “The Scream” was finally solved in 2006 when the painting was recovered from a Norwegian businessman, Kim Herøy, who had purchased it from a Swedish art dealer. The painting was returned to the Munch Museum, and the Norwegian police charged Herøy with the theft. He was sentenced to two years in prison for the crime.
The theft of “The Scream” in 1994 serves as a stark reminder of the value and vulnerability of art. It also highlights the importance of security measures in protecting cultural treasures. While the painting was eventually recovered, the incident has left a lasting impact on the art world and has sparked discussions about the role of art in society and the need to preserve these invaluable works for future generations.
