Rare clouds may have inspired Munch masterpiece, say scientists

VIENNA - The psychedelic clouds in Edvard Munch's iconic The Scream have alternatively been interpreted as a metaphor for mental anguish or a literal depiction of volcanic fallout.

On Monday, scientists hypothesized that the Norwegian painter's inspiration may in fact have been rare clouds which form in cold places at high altitude.

The first version of The Scream was released in 1893. It depicts a dark humanlike figure clutching its head in apparent horror against the backdrop of a swirling, red-orange sky.