Thingvöllum 1905

Asgrimur Jonsson created this watercolor landscape, Thingvöllum, to capture Iceland's nature in paint. Iceland, with its unique geography, has been the subject of art for centuries. But in the 19th and 20th centuries, there was an upswell in national romanticism as Icelanders looked to gain independence from Denmark. Artists like Jonsson, and institutions like The National Museum of Iceland founded in 1863, all worked to promote a distinctive cultural identity. This painting represents the sublime beauty of the landscape, complete with soft light, still water, and imposing mountains. The small buildings remind us of the scale of nature and its impact on people's lives. Looking at works like this, we can understand how social, political, and cultural contexts contribute to the meaning and the making of art. Using resources from the time, like journals, newspaper articles and museum records, we can reflect on how art helps us understand the world around us.