Edvard Munch and Plato – mutual philosophy of life?

In this article, I present an intellectual-historical perspective on Edvard Munch's art, based on the hypothesis that Munch was inspired by Plato's philosophy. The sources I use to give a coherent understanding of my hypothesis are Ravenberg's diary, Munch's book collection, his own texts, paintings and illustrations, and letters between Munch and others. Other researchers have previously mentioned Plato in connection with Munch's work, but inspiration from Plato is commonly unknown. The purpose is to highlight and provide a deeper insight into part of Munch's philosophical ideas. This applies to both his view of cosmos and man, and his view of art and the artist. Munch's expressionistic art expresses an essential reality behind the physical that he captures with his soul or inner eye. Cover image © Nasjonalmuseet/ Børre Høstland. Edvard Munch (1919) Høstpløying