Valkyrie 1864

Peter Nicolai Arbo painted this image of a Valkyrie, female figures from Norse mythology who choose who lives and dies in battle, and bring the slain to Valhalla. The image shows the clear influence of mythological and historical painting that was popular across Europe in the 19th century. Painted in Norway, the picture creates meaning through cultural and historical associations. In the 19th Century Norse mythology became associated with the greatness of the Nordic countries’ Viking past and its independence. The state-sponsored art schools across Europe played a key role in promoting national myths and figures such as Valkyries. In this context, the heroic image of a female warrior is neither conservative nor progressive, but rather a tool for creating a unified national identity, promoting a powerful sense of cultural belonging. Historians contribute to our understanding of the artwork by researching the artist's life, the painting's reception, and the social and political context in which it was created. It helps us understand the role of art in shaping national identities.