When I heard that a version (there were 4) of "The Scream" by Edvard Munch was stolen for the second time, I asked myself, "Why wasn't there theft insurance?" It happens to be a question not easily answered. Or is it? "The Scream" and "Madonna" by Munch were stolen by armed robbers on August 23, 2004 from the Munch Musuem in Oslo, Norway. Together, the expressionist's works are worth $100 million. They are insured against fire and water damage, yet they weren't insured against theft. It does seem odd. One reason stated is that because these oils on canvas are irreplaceable, what would the Oslo Musuem purchase to replace them? The other reason perhaps is that government funded musuems in Europe and the U.K. are restricted by tight budgets and are not allowed to use funds for commercial theft insurance policies. The reasons are now clear. If the stolen paintings are never recovered, we may have to remember "The Scream" only from the items reproduced: T shirts, mugs, and posters. Buy Posters Here From AllPosters.com