Edvard Munch's art is closely linked to his personal struggles, particularly his experiences with illness, death, and isolation. The loss of his mother and father at a young age deeply affected him, leading to themes of anxiety and melancholy in his work. His most iconic painting, "The Scream," encapsulates the profound sense of existential dread he felt throughout his life. Munch often sought to explore the psychological aspects of human experience, melding personal pain with the broader spectrum of human emotions. His ability to convey complex psychological themes made him a pivotal figure in Symbolism and early Expressionism.