History Daily The Return of The Scream
May 7, 2025
Dive into the audacious 1994 theft of Edvard Munch's iconic painting, The Scream, from Norway's National Gallery. Discover the thrilling heist during the Winter Olympics, the intense investigation led by Leif Lear, and the murky paths of deception. Join a detective's undercover pursuit to reclaim the masterpiece from a criminal gang, fraught with danger and unexpected twists. Finally, uncover the legal aftermath and hints of an intriguing new mystery looming on the horizon.
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The Scream Theft Night
- William Osheim and his accomplice stole Edvard Munch's The Scream by climbing a ladder and breaking a window at the National Gallery in Oslo.
- They left a taunting note saying "Thanks for the bad security" and escaped undetected in the early hours of February 12, 1994.
Meaning Behind The Scream
- The Scream embodies anxiety with its figure covering ears to block out an overwhelming scream, reflecting societal turmoil in 1893 Norway.
- The painting's emotional power remains relevant as it perfectly symbolizes modern-day anxiety and human struggle.
Undercover Sting Recovers The Scream
- Undercover detective Charlie Hill posed as an American art dealer to negotiate the ransom for The Scream.
- His operation led to the painting's recovery from a cellar and the arrest of most thieves on May 7, 1994.