Udsigt over byen Kristiania 1790 - 1817

This is Georg Haas’s ‘View of the City of Kristiania’, an engraving offering a birds-eye view of what is now Oslo. Though undated, it was likely made towards the end of the 18th century. At this time, Norway was under Danish rule, and depictions like this one served as a visual assertion of colonial power, portraying the city and its resources as orderly and accessible. But look closer: In the foreground, we see figures who seem to be working or traveling. These depictions add a human element, a sense of everyday life continuing amidst political backdrops. We might consider how the identities and experiences of the local population were at odds with the colonial gaze, or perhaps incorporated into it. The serene landscape and the detailed rendering of the city invite us to reflect on themes of control, cultural identity, and the lived experiences of those within the landscape. These elements come together to encourage a deeper consideration of the relationship between place, power, and belonging.