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March 15, 2026
Edvard Munch’s formative influence on Paula Rego revealed in unearthed painting
‘It’s so impressive that you can’t imagine,’ wrote a 16-year-old Rego to her mother after seeing a Munch exhibition in London in 1951
TL;DR
- An early painting by Paula Rego, 'Drought,' and a rediscovered letter reveal Edvard Munch's formative influence on her work.
- Rego, as a 16-year-old in 1951, was deeply impressed by Munch's exhibition at the Tate Gallery, specifically mentioning 'The Scream' and 'Inheritance.'
- Her painting 'Drought,' created around 1952, uses a color palette reminiscent of 'The Scream' and depicts a pregnant woman with a skeletal infant, a theme linked to the drought in Portugal.
- Art historian Kari J Brandtzæg identified the stylistic and thematic connections between Rego's 'Drought' and Munch's work, as well as later pieces like 'The Dance' and 'Time - Past and Present.'
- The discovery was made while preparing for the exhibition 'Dance Among Thorns' at the Munch Museum in Oslo, which focuses on Rego's work.
- Rego herself described Munch's paintings as 'amazing' and 'very emotional,' finding 'life in them' that resonated with her own artistic aims.
- Brandtzæg views Munch as a 'kind of idol' and 'friend in art' for Rego, providing inspiration and courage.
- Rego also recalled seeing a touring exhibition of Munch's work in Paris in 1952, suggesting a sustained interest in his art during her youth.
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