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The Scream: Shock Art, Not Schlock Art

April 13, 2012 by Marion Maneker

Sotheby’s has created a video to explain the importance of Edvard Munch’s The Scream to art history and popular culture. Meanwhile, the press’s fascination is turning up some unlikely conspiracy theories:

“I’ve been coming here for donkey’s years,” said a woman who wished to remain anonymous, “and I’ve never been through two security gates. I mean, that Matisse is worth £30m – the reserve price is below it, as you know – and there’s no security round that.” She leans in: “I think there’s an element of marketing. Which is a little bit silly, because we all know who’s going to buy it anyway.” (I can’t tell you who – partly because Sotheby’s say this is nonsense, it will go to auction in a proper way. And partly because I don’t know.)

The Scream: a global cliche with a £50m price tag (The Guardian)

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Filed Under: General

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