Urland Kirke og præstegård i Stemmedal, set mod fjorden 1819

Johannes Flintoe made this drawing of the Urland Church and rectory in Stemmedal using graphite. The sketch offers a window into the cultural construction of the Norwegian landscape during the early 19th century. At this time, Norway was experiencing a surge of national romanticism as artists sought to define a distinct Norwegian identity, often emphasizing the country’s dramatic natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Flintoe, like many of his contemporaries, played a key role in shaping the visual vocabulary of this movement. Notice how the drawing depicts the church and its rectory nestled within the imposing landscape. It creates a sense of harmony between the human presence and the grandeur of nature. This reflects the desire to connect the nation's identity to its geographical roots. To understand the significance of this drawing fully, we can consult archives, travelogues, and literature from the period. It gives us insight into the way in which the Norwegian landscape was not merely a physical space but a repository of cultural meaning.