Ivo de Figueiredo

The Storm - A Biography of Edvard Munch

Stormen - En biografi om Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch is not only celebrated as Norway’s preeminent artist, he has also etched a permanent mark on global culture. The Storm chronicles the life of this prodigious artist who, after rattling Kristiania with his revolutionary artworks, made a dynamic entrance onto the European stage, emerging as a formidable force from the north. From the iconic “The Scream” to captivating pieces like “Madonna” and “Vampire”, Munch did more than merely depict scenes; he rendered raw emotions on canvas. His life and oeuvre navigated through an era marked by monumental shifts in both global events and the artistic domain. To understand Munch’s life is also to understand the tumultuous backdrop of his contemporary Europe.

The Storm, Vol. I (2023) was nominated for the 2023 Critics’ Prize

‘Exemplary artist biography.’

Adresseavisen

‘Ivo de Figueiredo’s new Munch biography is an event […]. I only put the manuscript down when I had to. […] With flow, pace, and a sense of anecdotes, the biographer follows the chronically restless, increasingly alcoholic artist from city to city, from environment to environment, from room to room, from painting to painting. […] Together, these ingredients guarantee a highly readable life portrayal. As soon as I finished ‘The Storm’ I started looking forward to the next volume.’

Klassekampen - on Vol. I

‘Outstanding about Munch! ‘The Storm’ is the first volume in what will almost certainly become the definitive work on Edvard Munch for a long time to come.’

VG, 5/6 stars - on Vol. I
Photo: Agnete Brun

Ivo de Figueiredo (b. 1966) is a Norwegian historian, biographer, and writer. He has written several critically acclaimed books, including biographies and works on cultural and intellectual history. His most notable works include a two-part biography of Henrik Ibsen, Henrik Ibsen: The Man and Henrik Ibsen: The Mask. Figueiredo is recognized for his detailed research and engaging narrative style, making complex historical subjects accessible to a wider audience. His contributions to Norwegian historiography have earned him numerous awards.