Gezicht op Odda en het Hardangerfjord

This is an undated photograph of Odda and the Hardangerfjord in Norway, taken by Paul Lange. It presents us with a striking vista of Norwegian geography, but as art historians we must ask what cultural work this image performs? It likely dates to the late 19th century, when improvements in photographic technology made it easier to capture landscapes. The photograph romanticizes nature and offers a picturesque view for an emerging tourist industry. Travel became a new phenomenon due to the rise of industrialization, railroads, and increased leisure time. This photograph is part of the commercialization of the natural world. How might the photograph have shaped perceptions of Norway as a tourist destination? Research into tourism history and photography archives may help us to understand how this image played a role in shaping a modern cultural geography.