Untitled 

This 'Untitled' drawing was created by Theodor Severin Kittelsen, a Norwegian artist who lived from 1857 to 1914. Kittelsen is best known for his illustrations of Norwegian folklore, fairytales, and legends. Kittelsen’s art offers an entry point into understanding the cultural anxieties and identity formations of late 19th-century Norway. There’s a clear tension between the dominant, rapidly modernizing culture and the more ancient, rural traditions of the region. The troll is a symbol of a traditional way of life which is slowly disappearing as Norway becomes more industrialized. Does the troll look ominous, or simply like a lonely figure? Consider the way nature is portrayed in the piece, as the scene has a moody, dreamlike quality. Kittelsen once said "I dream things that never were, and ask, why not?". His trolls are a manifestation of the cultural memory and the rich storytelling tradition that defines Norwegian identity.