Lost Letter Unlocks Paula Rego's Hidden Muse: Edvard Munch

A significant artistic connection between Norwegian painter Edvard Munch and Portuguese artist Paula Rego has been unveiled, decades after their prime. A letter written by a 16-year-old Rego in late 1951 describes her deep impression from an Edvard Munch exhibition in London. She was particularly struck by Munch's famous 'The Scream' and 'Inheritance.'

Around 1952, Rego painted 'Drought,' an artwork featuring a pregnant woman with a skeletal infant, using a color palette reminiscent of Munch's 'The Scream.' This painting, rediscovered in 2015 and unseen by the public, showcases rough brushstrokes and vibrant colors, akin to Munch's 1890s works, as noted by art historian Kari J Brandtzæg.

The exhibition 'Dance Among Thorns' at Oslo's Munch Museum, opening April 24, 2026, will feature 'Drought' and explore this newfound relationship. Brandtzæg discovered the connection while curating the show, initially noticing thematic similarities between their works like 'The Dance of Life' and 'History.'

The discovery of Rego's 1951 letter confirmed the art historian's suspicions about the influence. Rego had also recalled seeing a large Munch exhibition in Paris in 1952, suggesting she sought out his work. Rego found Munch's art "amazing" and "very emotional," feeling a deep resonance that "gave her courage and inspiration."