View from Bastei 1819

Johan Christian Dahl made this painting with oil on canvas, a common choice for artists of his era. However, it's not just the material that's important, but how Dahl treats it. Look at the layering of paint, especially in the sky. Notice the thin veils of color creating depth and atmosphere, as well as the texture of the rock formations, rendered with precise brushstrokes to mimic their rugged surfaces. This wasn't just about depicting a scene; it was about understanding and conveying the specific qualities of the natural world. There's also a social dimension here, and Dahl was part of a network of artists who sought to create a specifically national romantic style. The appeal to landscape was part of this, as a way of celebrating place and the shared identity of a people. While we might think of paint as simply a medium for expression, Dahl treats it as a means of connecting with both nature and culture.