Recovered Munch paintings displayed L.A. Times Archives Sept. 27, 2006 12 AM PT From the Associated Press ...

Nonetheless Garrels hopes the exhibit will focus attention on the later paintings by Munch (1863-1944), whose career spanned 60 years. In the 19th century he was considered a Symbolist.

The three others, including the alleged mastermind, were acquitted. The works by the Norwegian artist were snatched by masked gunmen from the Munch Museum in Oslo in August 2004 and are still missing.

Auctioneers said the sale of “Summer Day” was the most significant offer of Munch’s work since “Girls on a Bridge” was bought for $7.7 million — a record for the artist — in 1996.

The three paintings— Starry Night, The Storm and Sunrise in Åsgårdstrand —were created in 1893, according to detailed Munch chronologies.

Munch and a Painting (1903). Image Courtesy of Munch Museet. Munch’s most famous masterpiece is among those works said to feature a feacal signature from his feathered friends.

Munch developed an emotionally charged painting style that was of great importance in the birth of the 20th century Expressionist movement. He died in 1944 at the age of 80.

Munch expert and auctioneer Knut Forsberg estimated the paintings' collective value at more than $257,000, with "Blue Dress" being the most valuable because it is unique.

OSLO, Norway – An Oslo court on Tuesday convicted three people in the theft of Edvard Munch paintings "The Scream" and "Madonna" and sentenced them to between four and eight years in prison.