'The Scream' On Display at NYC's Museum of Modern Art Coming this October

Norwegian painter Edvard Munch's infamous artwork "The Scream" will go on display at New York City's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) starting October 24, thanks to a wealth private bidder who recently purchased the iconic composition for $119.9 million back in May. The 1895 version of Munch's "The Scream" will remain on display to the American public for six months (until April 29, 2013).

Munch composed four version of the "The Scream" between 1893 and 1910 - the pastel-on-board artwork from 1895 is the only work still remaining in private hands. The three other versions remain in museum collections throughout Norway. Rumors have it that MoMA's board of trustees member and private equity giant Leon Black may be the private owner of 1895 "The Scream" work, but sources have yet to confirm that fact. "The Scream" is the most expensive piece of artwork ever sold at auction.

"The Scream," which features the image of a pale yellow figure holding an agonized expression against a tumultuous red sky landscape, has come to popularly epitomize the symbol for universal psychological terror. This drawing, made with crayon on cardboard, stands at 31 by 23 inches."The Scream" has been a big influence in much of pop culture - pop artist Andy Warhol once made a series of silk prints based off of certain works Munch, including "The Scream."

According to Glenn D Lowry, the director of MoMA, "As an iconic image, 'The Scream' has garnered worldwide attention for its stark portrayal of the human condition. For the Museum's visitors, this will be a rare opportunity to see this extraordinary work of art."

Late this October, "The Scream" will be installed in MoMA's galleries for "painting and sculpture," which will also include a collection of Munch drawings already on display in the Museum.

Check out the MoMA website for more info and updates.