Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van twee mannen in een roeiboot in een fjord door Adelsteen Normann before 1878

This is a photographic reproduction of a painting by Adelsteen Normann, showing two figures in a rowing boat, navigating a Norwegian fjord. This image, produced in the late 19th century, reflects a growing interest in the romantic representation of the Nordic landscape. The fjord, a quintessential feature of Norwegian geography, here becomes a symbol of national identity. Normann's painting, and its subsequent reproduction, tap into a broader European fascination with the sublime power and beauty of nature, but it's also intertwined with Norway's own cultural and political aspirations. During this period, Norway was seeking to establish a distinct cultural identity, separate from its union with Sweden. To truly understand this image, we need to consider its historical context, including the rise of nationalism, the development of tourism, and the role of art institutions in shaping cultural identity. By consulting historical archives, travel literature, and exhibition catalogues, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the social forces that shaped its creation and reception.