Fun Facts

1. The largest painting in the world covers 35,356 m2!

2. In the period from 1905 till 1923, the French Impressionist Claude Monet had cataracts. This is an eye condition which makes people see things in a muddy, red and yellowish colour. That is why you see those colours a lot in his paintings in that period of time.

3. In the 1860s-70s, artists started to paint outside which brought some problems. Monet once wanted the spring leaves of some trees removed, so he could finish painting a winter scene!

4. Expressionism is an art and cultural movement of the 20th century. Expressionist artists try to express a feeling with what they create. Colours and shapes are not used in the way people see them, but as the artist feels them.

 

5. Expressionism is seen in more art forms, not just paintings. For example in music, literature, theatre, dance, film and architecture.

 

6. In 1994, the painting ‘The Scream’ (painted by Edvard Munch), was stolen! The thieves left a note saying: “Thanks for the poor security.” The painting was recovered later the same year.