Explaining Northern European Art by Comparing it with Southern Art
Northern European art, encompassing Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, is deeply connected to nature, mythology, and history. This artistic tradition developed a unique aesthetic, often minimalist and introspective, where emotion and the landscape play a fundamental role. Viking art, with its intricate animal motifs and decorations inspired by Scandinavian folklore, is an early example of this connection, emphasizing natural and mythological themes that have persisted for centuries.
However, Northern European art did not develop in isolation. It integrated and adapted the influences of major European artistic movements, such as Impressionism, Symbolism, and Expressionism, originating in France and Germany. Artists like Edvard Munch in Norway and Anders Zorn in Sweden embraced these international styles, blending them with their local traditions. This fusion enriched European aesthetics with a new focus on landscapes and emotional depth.
In contrast, Southern European countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece developed artistic traditions deeply rooted in Greco-Roman heritage and the Renaissance. Here, the beauty of the human body, symmetry, and representations of the divine remained central to artistic production for centuries.
In Northern Europe, artistic evolution led to a growing exploration of landscapes and inner emotions. Romanticism had a profound impact on Nordic painting, with artists delving into the wild beauty of their territories and the connection between humans and nature. While the South concentrated on religious themes and the human figure, the North developed a more abstract visual language tied to nature, incorporating elements from European movements along the way.
Today, contemporary Nordic art continues to express its bond with nature and abstraction, while opening itself to global influences and new media. Similarly, Southern Europe, while adopting modern trends, often retains a strong connection to its classical heritage.
Northern European Art in 10 Pictorial Masterpieces
Let’s now enter an imaginary museum where the most iconic works of Nordic art are gathered to tell the artistic identity of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. The Scream by Edvard Munch opens the journey with its intense expression of anguish, followed by The Dance of Life, which explores the stages of existence. The epic Midvinterblot by Carl Larsson recalls pagan myths, while the collective joy of Hip, Hip, Hurrah! by Peder Severin Krøyer is complemented by the delicate atmosphere of The Wounded Angel by Hugo Simberg. The Finnish landscapes in The Aino Myth by Akseli Gallen-Kallela evoke the beauty of the Nordic nature, and Iceland finds its expression in From Thingvellir by Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval. The theatricality of En agitator by Erik Henningsen and the evocative A Summer Night at Tyresö by Prince Eugen complete a journey through nature, introspection, history, and ancient myths.
This journey captures the soul of Northern Europe, where nature and emotion merge in timeless masterpieces. Are you ready to purchase a ticket to this fantastic museum and visit it with me?
Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1893. Oil, tempera and pastel on cardboard, 91 x 73 cm. National Gallery of Norway.
1. "The Scream" – Edvard Munch (Norway)
We climb together the steps of this imagined institution, ticket in hand. Upon crossing the threshold, at the center of the room, our eyes widen in astonishment: "The Scream" by Edvard Munch. The artwork uses bold, contrasting colors—reds and greens, oranges and blues—to create an expressive effect that amplifies the drama. The swirling, almost molten lines of the background contrast with the geometric rigidity of the railing, creating a visual tension. The warm hues of the sky counterbalance the dense elements below, drawing attention to the screaming figure’s face. "The Scream" is a universal symbol of existential angst. It represents not only an individual experience but a collective feeling of terror and loneliness. Munch reflects the pessimism of the fin de siècle, highlighting the emotional detachment of the other figures in the scene and creating a powerful portrayal of alienation. This work is considered an icon of modern art for its ability to capture human pain in a lasting visual form.
Edvard Munch, The Dance of Life, 1899-1900. Oil on canvas. National Gallery, Oslo.
2. "The Dance of Life" – Edvard Munch (Norway)
On the right-hand side of the room, the largest wall holds another masterpiece by Edvard Munch, a work that continues to inspire admiration and deep reflection. Visitors, some absorbed, others with attentive gazes, approach the painting, following the audio guide explanations on their phones, while immersing themselves in the expressive power of the masterpiece and the unique atmosphere Munch evokes. We now stand before "The Dance of Life" by the master, a work that depicts a scene set during St. John's Eve, traditionally associated in Norway with outdoor celebrations and dancing. The painting captures three female figures representing the stages of life: a young woman in white, symbolizing purity and hope; a woman in red, representing passionate love; and a figure in black, an emblem of mourning and death. At the center, a couple dances, emotionally distant despite the intensity of their physical connection, while in the background, other couples appear to lose themselves in a swirling dance under the moonlight. The painting expresses Munch’s pessimistic view of love, not as a force opposing death but as a destructive energy that consumes the human soul. What should be a joyful and festive dance becomes a melancholic and alienating ritual, symbolizing the fragility of existence.
Carl Larsson, Midvinterblot, 1915, oil painting. Swedish National Museum of Fine Arts, Stockolm
3. "Midvinterblot" – Carl Larsson (Sweden)
As we move through the vast spaces of the museum, we encounter many other masterpieces. The following narrative will not present them in chronological order, but rather in the way they have been arranged, highlighted by the architecture and skillfully illuminated by spotlights. "Midvinterblot" (Midwinter Sacrifice) is a painting created by Carl Larsson in 1915 for the central staircase of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm. Despite initial controversies and rejections, the masterpiece was finally installed in the museum in 1997, in the place it was originally intended. The work depicts a legend from Norse mythology in which the Swedish king Domalde is sacrificed to avert a famine. "Midvinterblot" explores the theme of royal sacrifice, symbolizing the king’s willingness to give himself for the good of his people. The narrative is portrayed in a monumental style, with a frieze-like composition reminiscent of historical and mythological art. Larsson drew from historical and mythological sources, including the writings of Adam of Bremen and Snorri Sturluson, and took inspiration from Iron Age artifacts.
Peder Severin Krøyer, Hip, Hip, Hurrah!, 1888. Oil on canvas. Gothenburg Museum of Art.
4. "Hip, Hip, Hurrah!" – Peder Severin Krøyer (Denmark)
"Hip, Hip, Hurrah! "(1888) by Peder Severin Krøyer depicts a lively outdoor scene featuring a group of artists from the "Skagen Painters," a community of Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish creatives who gathered in Skagen, Denmark. In the scene, the artists are toasting in the sunlight, immersed in an atmosphere of celebration and festivity. Among the notable figures present are Anna Ancher, Michael Ancher, Viggo Johansen, and Krøyer himself. "Hip, Hip, Hurrah!" celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and friendship among the Skagen artists. The scene not only portrays a moment of joy but also highlights the importance of the artistic community and mutual support. The toast symbolizes unity, shared experiences, and creative energy—a reflection of the collective identity of Scandinavian masters of the time. The masterpiece is heavily influenced by Impressionism, particularly in its portrayal of light and atmosphere. Krøyer was especially fascinated by the northern light and captured its reflections on the faces and objects, creating a vibrant and realistic effect. The work also exemplifies naturalism, with a focus on everyday life and social interaction.
Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Aino Myth, Triptych, 1891. Ateneum, Helsinki
5. "Aino Myth, Triptych" – Akseli Gallen-Kallela (Finland)
"The Aino Myth" by Akseli Gallen-Kallela depicts an episode from the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic. The myth tells the story of Aino, a young woman promised in marriage against her will to the old sage Väinämöinen. Aino, desperate to escape her fate, refuses the marriage and throws herself into the sea, where she transforms into an aquatic creature. The myth symbolizes the struggle against fate and the transformative power of nature. "The Aino Myth" explores themes of destiny, unrequited love, and loss, reflecting the tragic spirit of the Kalevala. Aino’s story represents personal sacrifice and nature’s transformative strength. Through this narrative, Gallen-Kallela celebrates Finnish cultural identity and underscores the connection between myth, nature, and national identity. The work belongs to the Symbolist style of the late 19th century, with influences of national romanticism. Gallen-Kallela uses intense colors and dynamic composition to highlight the mythological themes and the Finnish landscape. The detailed representation of nature, characters, and the setting reflects the deep bond between Finnish culture and the natural environment.
Hugo Simberg, The Wounded Angel, 1903. Ateneum, Helsinki.
6. "The Wounded Angel" – Hugo Simberg (Finland)
"The Wounded Angel" by Hugo Simberg portrays a wounded angel being carried by two boys through a melancholic and realistic landscape. The path leads through Eläintarha, a park in Helsinki, with Töölönlahti Bay in the background. This area was frequented by the working class and housed charitable institutions, such as a school for the blind and a home for the disabled, suggesting that the boys are carrying the angel towards one of these places filled with compassion and hope. The masterpiece blends realism and symbolism, using muted colors that reflect the melancholic atmosphere, while the naturalistic landscape, combined with the simple yet emotionally charged composition, provides a tangible backdrop to a deeply allegorical image.
7. "A Summer Night at Tyresö" – Prince Eugen (Sweden)
"A Summer Night at Tyresö" (1895) is an evening landscape painted by Prince Eugen, depicting the peaceful Swedish countryside near Tyresö, a place where the prince spent many summers. The painting shows a wide expanse of calm water, surrounded by dark trees and a bright, serene summer sky. The sunset light is reflected on the water, creating a tranquil and meditative atmosphere. The painting belongs to the National Romanticism movement, characterized by a strong connection to nature. Prince Eugen employs a style influenced by Impressionism, with particular attention to light and reflections. The delicate colors and soft brushstrokes help to create a sense of quiet and melancholy. "A Summer Night at Tyresö" symbolizes the intimate relationship between humans and nature, a theme dear to Prince Eugen. The work conveys a sense of solitude and introspection, while also evoking the idea of eternal and unchanging nature. The painting not only represents the beauty of the Swedish landscape but also reflects the artist's desire to find peace and harmony through contemplation of the natural world.
Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, From Thingvellir, 1957.
8. "From Thingvellir" – Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval (Iceland)
"From Thingvellir"(1957) is a painting by Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval that depicts the unique landscape of Þingvellir, a region of great historical and natural significance in Iceland. The artwork captures volcanic rock formations, lava fields, and the typical vegetation of the area. Kjarval uses an earthy color palette and tones that reflect the nuances of the Icelandic landscape, creating an image that is both realistic and atmospheric. The painting is executed in an Impressionist style, characterized by quick, fluid brushstrokes that capture the essence of the moment and the fleeting qualities of light. Kjarval combines Impressionism with elements of realism and symbolism, developing a personal style that expresses both the physical appearance and the spirit of the landscape. His attention to natural details and the textures of rocks and vegetation highlights his deep observation of nature. "From Thingvellir" goes beyond a simple depiction of a place; it symbolizes Iceland’s cultural and historical identity. Þingvellir is the site where one of the world’s first parliaments, the Alþingi, was established in 930 AD, and it remains a symbol of Icelandic sovereignty and tradition. Through this painting, Kjarval expresses the inseparable bond between the Icelandic people and their land, emphasizing how the landscape has shaped the nation’s history and soul. The work invites the viewer to contemplate the austere beauty and intrinsic power of Icelandic nature.
Erik Henningsen, En agitator, 1899. Oil on canvas. Metalskolen Jørlunde.
9. "En agitator" – Erik Henningsen (Denmark)
"En agitator" (An Agitator) by Erik Henningsen, painted in 1885, depicts a man standing on a crate speaking to a crowd of workers gathered on a Copenhagen street. The scene captures a moment of intense social tension, with the speaker attempting to persuade the crowd, while the varied expressions on the workers' faces reflect a range of reactions, from interest to indifference. The urban setting evokes the atmosphere of the early social unrest in Denmark during the late 19th century. The masterpiece is painted in Henningsen's characteristic realist style, focusing on the details of everyday life and social dynamics. The depiction of the characters is vivid and precise, with subdued, natural colors enhancing the authenticity of the scene. The composition is balanced, with the speaker at the center and the crowd surrounding him, creating a strong visual contrast between the solitary figure and the mass. "En agitator" reflects Henningsen’s keen interest in the social and political issues of his time, particularly the early labor movements and workers’ struggles. The painting explores the tension between ideals of change and the reality of social resistance, placing the orator at the forefront as a symbol of both struggle and hope, as well as division.
Harald Sohlberg, Winter Night in the Mountains, 1914. Nasjonalgalleriet, Oslo.
10. "Winter Night in the Mountains" – Harald Sohlberg (Norway)
"Winter Night in the Mountains" (1914) by Harald Sohlberg is one of Norway's most iconic paintings, depicting the snow-covered mountainous landscape of Rondane. The scene is bathed in a cold, mysterious light, with a clear, deep blue sky devoid of clouds. Bare trees in the foreground frame the landscape, and a single bright star shines between two mountains. The canvas conveys a sense of quiet isolation, with no signs of human or animal life, except for a cross visible in the snow on a mountain peak to the right. The painting follows the principles of Nordic Symbolism, using an aesthetic that expresses emotions and moods rather than merely representing reality. Sohlberg employs cool colors and a particular focus on moonlight to create a dreamlike, supernatural atmosphere. The symbolism of the light, nature, and the wild landscape conveys a spiritual vision of the relationship between humans and nature, even though humanity is only implicitly present through its traces. The work alludes to the power and beauty of the Nordic landscape, but also to its solitude and mystery. The mountain and the star may symbolize the majesty and eternity of nature, while the cross on the snow suggests a reflection on mortality and spirituality.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
| ArtMajeur Magazine
