Salterier, Kinn 1860

Amaldus Nielsen painted this oil on canvas, titled ‘Salterier, Kinn.’ Nielsen's skilled brushwork captures the rough texture of weathered wood, with a tangible sense of age and exposure to the elements. The structure itself is seemingly built from roughly hewn planks, and is raised on stilts to protect it from the tides. The eye is drawn to the fisherman in the background who is at work, exposed to the elements, and whose labor and the landscape are connected. The image is rich in detail, the texture of the rocks, the vegetation growing on the roof, and the reflections on the water create depth and realism. The painting highlights the hard work and basic conditions of a fisherman's life. Nielsen was not only an observer of the natural world, but also of the ways in which human lives are intertwined with the labor required for life and survival. This reminds us of the importance of materials, making, and social context in understanding the full meaning of a work.