Draugen 1895

Theodor Severin Kittelsen created this ink drawing, titled "Draugen", in 1893. It depicts a figure from Norwegian folklore, a haunting presence associated with the sea. The Draugen embodies the perils faced by those who make their living from the water. Norway's geography, with its long coastline and history of seafaring, has fostered a deep connection to the ocean. The fishing industry was, and to some extent still is, a vital part of the Norwegian economy. However, it is an industry that has always involved danger. Kittelsen's Draugen is a grotesque, almost comical figure, emerging from the waves to drag the unwary to their doom. By invoking this folklore, he speaks to anxieties about nature and the unknown. The institutions of art, like museums, serve as a platform to discuss such fears, giving form to the invisible forces shaping society. Further study of Kittelsen's biography and Norwegian folklore provide valuable context for this evocative image.